shanghaied

Incident at Zyralin 4 SEDITION RISING

Hunt for Balerophon

 

 

GREG MUTTON

Greg Mutton

4 star
4 star
HUNT FOR BALEROPHON

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - October 25, 2024

Greg Mutton’s novel ‘Hunt for Balerophon’ delivers a satisfying finale to Mutton’s ambitious trilogy, masterfully weaving together multiple narrative threads into an explosive conclusion that will bring its readers to the edge of their seats.

The novel’s pacing is masterful, alternating between quiet character moments and pulse-pounding action sequences. The raid on the secret facility brings Mutton’s talent for crafting high-stakes action scenarios brilliantly.

While the relationship between Aaron and Petra continues to evolve naturally, their impending marriage adding emotional weight to their dangerous mission.

JT’s fascination with ancient technology provides both comic relief and thoughtful commentary on economic recovery in a post-crisis society.

Finally, Mutton’s precise technical descriptions of space battles make them both thrilling and accessible. The sword fights add a personal dimension to the combat.

Once again, Mutton tastefully handles the romantic elements, including some mature content, and uses them to serve character development.

I cannot wait for more from this author.

This review is an honest reflection based on a copy of the book I received.

Sedition rising

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - September 23, 2024

Writing science fiction is no easy feat, but Australian author Greg Mutton makes it look so easy. The author brings his understanding of current technologies, culture, society, politics and power dynamics – weaving them into a gripping story. Fantastic battle scenes, and a fast-paced storyline compel one to keep reading. His fully fleshed-out characters present their goals, motivations, and flaws to the reader clearly. The blossoming romance between two of the main characters adds to the intrigue.

 Greg Mutton’s second novel in the Chronicle of the 12th Realm series, Sedition Rising, masterfully combines all these elements. It’s an absolute delight to read. 

The twist at the end left me eager to get my hands on the third book. I highly recommend it. 

This review is an honest reflection based on a copy of the book I received.

4 star
4 star
Reunion

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - September 5, 2024

Greg Mutton’s book ‘Reunion: Realm: Chronicle of the 12th Realm Book 1’ has everything a science fiction fan will want.

Fast-paced action, strange creatures, a bit of romance and lots of technology

Although the novel contains a fair amount of tech jargon, the author’s excellent descriptions ensured that it never became confusing for me as a reader.

The story begins with the possibility of ending a 30-year feud between two brothers, propelling Aaron Abraham and his stunning new first officer, Petra Mannix, on an unexpected adventure. As they head to Earth for a family reunion, an ambush thrusts their ship into a multi-dimensional conflict, quickly turning Aaron and Petra into a formidable team along with some new other world friends.

From the start, the characters are both believable and engaging, offering a refreshing departure from the typical images of societal misfits or flawless superheroes. The story balances action and character development beautifully, making it a captivating and enjoyable read.

This book is well-paced and easy to dive into. The character development feels natural, and the author expertly weaves a narrative that bridges the future with the present day. As the first book in a series, it sets the stage for what’s coming, and I’m already eager for the next installment.

Overall, it’s a fast, enjoyable read that leaves you wanting more.

Book 2 can’t come soon enough!

Shanghaied

Reviewed by Kylie M. - September 3, 2024

Right from the start I was hooked on this fast paced, action fuelled, banger of a read!

Greg’s writing is very captivating. He created original and believable characters that were just so darn easy to like!

It was easy to relate to their thoughts and feelings and be empathetic to their struggles along the way. Even though the story is set against a dystopian backdrop, I felt like I was there by their side as they fought desperately for their lives and the last remnants of humanity against a society bereft of reason.

Whilst there was some romance there was plenty of action and adventure too. Overall, it’s a well-researched, detailed and compelling story.

I would recommend this to readers looking for an exciting read with the perfect balance of adventure, suspense, and love.

4 star
Shanghaied

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - July 8, 2028

I was fortunate enough to get an advance read of Greg Mutton’s highly expected new sci-fi novel “Shanghaied” before its official release – and what a fantastic voyage it was!

Mutton has crafted a visionary 30th century tale depicting a world crumbling under its own weight, in desperate need of saving. But mercifully, the rescue mission proves anything but straightforward.

Our protagonists, the potentially identity-swapped Clyde Robinson (is he really Clyde Robinson), and his companion Bonnie Masterton, awaken to find themselves adrift at sea aboard a fully armed pleasure
cruiser.

With no recollection of who they are, where they’ve come from, or even when, the disorienting journey takes a wild turn from the first pages.

Combining mind-bending elements of time travel with vividly technical military philology, Mutton propels readers through a dizzying narrative of rapid-fire dialogue and uproarious comedic interludes.
With every page turner, I found myself more insatiably hooked on unravelling the zany central mystery.

I wholeheartedly encourage any fan of this genre to jump straight aboard. For admirers of his previous works, this novel is not to be missed.

I’ve gladly provided this honest review in exchange for an advance copy.

But trust me, you’ll want to secure your own copy to get fully “Shanghaied” by this wildly original mind bender.

4 star
INCIDENT AT ZYRALIN 4

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - May 20, 2023

Greg Mutton masterfully captivates his audience with a spellbinding saga in his science fiction series, which expertly intertwines romance, shadowy political manoeuvres, and cunning intelligence agents, starting off with the explosive “Incident at Zyralin 4.” This electrifying prequel sets the stage for the thrilling series that follow.

In “Incident at Zyralin 4,” we meet protagonist Alan Dean, who stands on the cusp of a monumental career advancement, his promotion hinging on his ability to command a battle group. In a time of peace, his prospects are faint—until an urgent mission emerges. The Coalition science station on Zyralin 4 has gone dark, a mysterious communication failure that could be Dean’s golden opportunity.

Accompanied by John (JT) Abraham, the stalwart commander of the ship Valiant, Dean leads a flotilla of three time-worn vessels on this crucial mission. What starts as a routine investigation becomes a fierce confrontation with three unidentified warships? The conflict is brutal, leaving the Valiant severely damaged and its sister ships destroyed.

This sudden attack in safe territory raises a flurry of urgent questions: What events transpired at the science station to lead to this ambush?

With his trademark flair, Mutton weaves a riveting tale adorned with vividly drawn characters and intense space combat scenes that plunge the reader straight into the heart of the fray. The seamlessly integrated political intrigue adds a profound sense of realism and depth to the narrative.

This exhilarating prequel promises even more gripping adventures in the series. This review is joyfully provided in exchange for a copy of the book, reflecting my genuine thoughts.

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