the_fenharel's review against another edition
3.0
"Suddenly, the lake’s surface erupted and a scaled creature burst forth. It was human in shape, but had frilled gills at the side of its head and large fish-like eyes, no nose, and no lips. It opened its mouth to reveal needle teeth, and it hissed at them."
I really adore novels that delve into the mysterious wonders of the Universe and have the creativity to form new characters, new lands and new ways of life. I feel the author, Emma Jane, really committed to trying to bring this vision to life in many ways but sadly fell short in a few areas.
"The aliens themselves appeared almost human, except their skin was orange and hairless, and their eyes were large black orbs. They were obviously used to the comings and goings of off-worlders, because not one of them paid them a blind bit of attention."
Jane has a very interesting way of describing different creatures and is able to create a new species at the drop of a hat which is amazing. What I desperately wanted to see, however, was a love interest that was more than human. Surrounded by all these aliens and Mac just happens to meet the one alien that's practically human? It was pretty disappointing to be honest. Slap some horns on him, give him a different skin colour that makes him stand out, just SOMETHING!
“On Nevka, females have power over males. Lenara fought for equality—she’s an anarchist. She caused a lot of trouble for her people.”
Mac folded his arms. “I’m male and she wants to sell me. So much for equality.”
“I think she’d sell you if you were female, too.”
The plot and writing format is something I highly commend. It was funny, had good characters that could easily be told apart so dialogue didn't get confusing and a plot that was easy to follow. Mac is stuck on an alien spaceship after being sent through space after touching something he shouldn't. Interestingly enough, none of the aliens knew where Earth was. Our galaxy being untouched and unexplored was a really nice touch! The confusion from all the other characters and the fact that no, we're not the centre of the universe made me smile.
The sex scenes were done quickly and without a whole lot of detail which is perfect for anyone who is just getting involved with more sexual books or who struggle to read drawn-out scenes. For anyone who prefers romance and sexual moments/tension, then this book might not be the one for you.
"Attention. Subject loose. One human male. Not dangerous. Not intelligent. Needs apprehending."
Altogether, this book was an easy read and worth picking up. Great characters and a well-done plot led to a book that kept me interested until the last page. I just wished we had more alien species as main characters and a love interest that wasn't so human.
I really adore novels that delve into the mysterious wonders of the Universe and have the creativity to form new characters, new lands and new ways of life. I feel the author, Emma Jane, really committed to trying to bring this vision to life in many ways but sadly fell short in a few areas.
"The aliens themselves appeared almost human, except their skin was orange and hairless, and their eyes were large black orbs. They were obviously used to the comings and goings of off-worlders, because not one of them paid them a blind bit of attention."
Jane has a very interesting way of describing different creatures and is able to create a new species at the drop of a hat which is amazing. What I desperately wanted to see, however, was a love interest that was more than human. Surrounded by all these aliens and Mac just happens to meet the one alien that's practically human? It was pretty disappointing to be honest. Slap some horns on him, give him a different skin colour that makes him stand out, just SOMETHING!
“On Nevka, females have power over males. Lenara fought for equality—she’s an anarchist. She caused a lot of trouble for her people.”
Mac folded his arms. “I’m male and she wants to sell me. So much for equality.”
“I think she’d sell you if you were female, too.”
The plot and writing format is something I highly commend. It was funny, had good characters that could easily be told apart so dialogue didn't get confusing and a plot that was easy to follow. Mac is stuck on an alien spaceship after being sent through space after touching something he shouldn't. Interestingly enough, none of the aliens knew where Earth was. Our galaxy being untouched and unexplored was a really nice touch! The confusion from all the other characters and the fact that no, we're not the centre of the universe made me smile.
The sex scenes were done quickly and without a whole lot of detail which is perfect for anyone who is just getting involved with more sexual books or who struggle to read drawn-out scenes. For anyone who prefers romance and sexual moments/tension, then this book might not be the one for you.
"Attention. Subject loose. One human male. Not dangerous. Not intelligent. Needs apprehending."
Altogether, this book was an easy read and worth picking up. Great characters and a well-done plot led to a book that kept me interested until the last page. I just wished we had more alien species as main characters and a love interest that wasn't so human.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
4.0
Science fiction that has a hint of fantasy in it is awesome. While the fantasy might just be wishful thinking on my part, I would consider it to be a tiny bit that gets the story started. The fantasy propels the protagonist into the future—or some other part of space—and everything takes off from there.
Escort Mackenzie, known as Mac, is with a client when he discovers a silver brooch that catches his eye. Except when he touches it, it somehow transports him to an alien world. He has no idea when and where he is, just that he wants to go home. Not knowing anything about where he is, he flees and runs into Teevar, an alien also on the run. Mac ends up joining their crew, but he ends up in a world of trouble instead, with bounty hunters chasing him down because of who he’s with.
What I loved about this story was that it doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously. Mac is not the best protagonist out there. He’s self-centered and vain, but I think that’s what made me like him so much. He wasn’t perfect. And then there’s Teevar, who is much more the traditional protagonist you would see. He has a secret to hide, and he’s running from something as well, but he won’t really talk about it.
The book can be confusing, but that’s because we’re along for the ride with Mac. We don’t know anything until he does, so the exact reason for the pin isn’t made known to the readers until the very end of the book. I liked that. Most books I can figure out the ending within the first few pages, but for this one, I just held on and had a good time doing it.
As for the romance in this book, there is some, but it’s not right up front. Mac is a highly sexual being, and Teevar is not for understandable reasons. If you’re looking for explosive sex constantly, this book isn’t for you. But that shouldn’t deter you from checking it out if you don’t mind some sexual tension and fade to black scenes.
Were some parts ridiculous? Yup. But was it fun? Absolutely. Emma Jane wrote characters that felt realistic for all their antics, and I would enjoy reading more of their adventures. What happens next? Are there any other things Mac can solve just by being who he is? Do they get into more trouble with bounty hunters because they just can’t keep their hands to themselves?
If you’re a fan of sci-fi books or books with less than perfect heroes, this is just for you. It’s a pretty fast read but enjoyable nonetheless, as I’ve come to expect from books produced by NineStar Press.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
Escort Mackenzie, known as Mac, is with a client when he discovers a silver brooch that catches his eye. Except when he touches it, it somehow transports him to an alien world. He has no idea when and where he is, just that he wants to go home. Not knowing anything about where he is, he flees and runs into Teevar, an alien also on the run. Mac ends up joining their crew, but he ends up in a world of trouble instead, with bounty hunters chasing him down because of who he’s with.
What I loved about this story was that it doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously. Mac is not the best protagonist out there. He’s self-centered and vain, but I think that’s what made me like him so much. He wasn’t perfect. And then there’s Teevar, who is much more the traditional protagonist you would see. He has a secret to hide, and he’s running from something as well, but he won’t really talk about it.
The book can be confusing, but that’s because we’re along for the ride with Mac. We don’t know anything until he does, so the exact reason for the pin isn’t made known to the readers until the very end of the book. I liked that. Most books I can figure out the ending within the first few pages, but for this one, I just held on and had a good time doing it.
As for the romance in this book, there is some, but it’s not right up front. Mac is a highly sexual being, and Teevar is not for understandable reasons. If you’re looking for explosive sex constantly, this book isn’t for you. But that shouldn’t deter you from checking it out if you don’t mind some sexual tension and fade to black scenes.
Were some parts ridiculous? Yup. But was it fun? Absolutely. Emma Jane wrote characters that felt realistic for all their antics, and I would enjoy reading more of their adventures. What happens next? Are there any other things Mac can solve just by being who he is? Do they get into more trouble with bounty hunters because they just can’t keep their hands to themselves?
If you’re a fan of sci-fi books or books with less than perfect heroes, this is just for you. It’s a pretty fast read but enjoyable nonetheless, as I’ve come to expect from books produced by NineStar Press.
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
broomesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
What you need to know about Space Mac is that it is one hundred percent a space adventure. You get thrust into a universe, just as lost and confused as Mac is BUT when it all starts to unfold, that’s when it gets good. I almost gave up on this in the beginning because I couldn’t get into the first few pages (yes, I’m that reader when it comes to sci-fi) but as soon as Mac met up with the crew? That action drew me in.
So before the good, here’s the bad. I felt that there was something missing. I needed more explanation to why Mac had been taken. More than what was given. I needed to know more about Ral and Leanara other than they committed a crime (nothing specified or I completely missed it which is possible) and they were a ragtag group running for their lives.
Teevar, I loved. I felt kinship with him. He was very much an outsider on his planet. Even when he was planets away, he still had that fear that someone was going to see him and they were going to treat him like he was on his home planet. Mac challenged him and pushed Teevar out of his comfort zone.
Mac had that arrogant, I’m human and that makes me important vibe. But Lenara and the crew put him back to rights. I think that is what saved him was the way he interacted with Teevar towards the middle/end. In the beginning, he was a dick. Running for your life in space can change things though.
There were a few sex scenes but there were more cut to black scenes. So if hardcore sex is your thing, you won’t find that here. I thought everything was appropriate and sometimes I’m in the mood for less descriptive sex scenes so I read this book at the perfect time.
There were space shenanigans, con-man tactics and a huge universe that I hope Emma Jane goes on to the explore. It was left open so she could. Definitely one I would give a read!
So before the good, here’s the bad. I felt that there was something missing. I needed more explanation to why Mac had been taken. More than what was given. I needed to know more about Ral and Leanara other than they committed a crime (nothing specified or I completely missed it which is possible) and they were a ragtag group running for their lives.
Teevar, I loved. I felt kinship with him. He was very much an outsider on his planet. Even when he was planets away, he still had that fear that someone was going to see him and they were going to treat him like he was on his home planet. Mac challenged him and pushed Teevar out of his comfort zone.
Mac had that arrogant, I’m human and that makes me important vibe. But Lenara and the crew put him back to rights. I think that is what saved him was the way he interacted with Teevar towards the middle/end. In the beginning, he was a dick. Running for your life in space can change things though.
There were a few sex scenes but there were more cut to black scenes. So if hardcore sex is your thing, you won’t find that here. I thought everything was appropriate and sometimes I’m in the mood for less descriptive sex scenes so I read this book at the perfect time.
There were space shenanigans, con-man tactics and a huge universe that I hope Emma Jane goes on to the explore. It was left open so she could. Definitely one I would give a read!
foxclouds's review against another edition
2.0
I requested “Space Mac” from NineStar Press, LLC on NetGalley after reading the description. The cover caught my eye and I was very eager to read it. However, I struggled with writing this review.
I was extremely pumped to read “Space Mac” - it sounded like a queer love story in space, which is totally my jam. However, I was bitterly disappointed.
The writing is very jerky and lack expressiveness or detail. Meagre descriptions made the narration confusing. It felt as if the characters jumped from one place to another. The emotions portrayed by characters felt artificial and their actions very often were not believable. I struggled to understand why things were happening the way they were and very quickly I stopped to care. There seemed to be lots of running and fighting and conning (or trying to out-con) somebody with no real purpose to the story. The main protagonist, Mac, wanted to get back to Earth but he only ever bemoaned his lack of knowledge how to do it and didn’t really do anything until very end.
His relationship with Teevar, which seemed to be a focal point of the book description, didn’t develop as I expected it to, and felt a bit forced. It was, however, the most tolerable part of “Space Mac”, even though I did find Mac behaving like a spoiled child around Teevar. Overall, I didn’t find any of the characters likable at all.
It was a rather short book, more of a novella really, but I struggled to finish it. I could have dealt with jumpy plot if the writing had a better flow, which, sadly, was not the case. The only saving grace of “Space Mac” is its cover - it is stunning!
Nevertheless, I am grateful to the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
Rating: 2 stars
I was extremely pumped to read “Space Mac” - it sounded like a queer love story in space, which is totally my jam. However, I was bitterly disappointed.
The writing is very jerky and lack expressiveness or detail. Meagre descriptions made the narration confusing. It felt as if the characters jumped from one place to another. The emotions portrayed by characters felt artificial and their actions very often were not believable. I struggled to understand why things were happening the way they were and very quickly I stopped to care. There seemed to be lots of running and fighting and conning (or trying to out-con) somebody with no real purpose to the story. The main protagonist, Mac, wanted to get back to Earth but he only ever bemoaned his lack of knowledge how to do it and didn’t really do anything until very end.
His relationship with Teevar, which seemed to be a focal point of the book description, didn’t develop as I expected it to, and felt a bit forced. It was, however, the most tolerable part of “Space Mac”, even though I did find Mac behaving like a spoiled child around Teevar. Overall, I didn’t find any of the characters likable at all.
It was a rather short book, more of a novella really, but I struggled to finish it. I could have dealt with jumpy plot if the writing had a better flow, which, sadly, was not the case. The only saving grace of “Space Mac” is its cover - it is stunning!
Nevertheless, I am grateful to the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
Rating: 2 stars
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