Tuesday 1 January 2013

Origins - Randolph Lalonde

OVERALL RATING: FIVE STARS

Origins is the first instalment of Spinward Fringe, a gripping space opera by Randolph Lalonde that tells the tale of Jonas Valent and his crew as they struggle to survive and retain their integrity as they fight to protect their homes from the industrial super-corporations that are determined to conquer them. And, as the series' opening novel, Origins sets the background of the characters - being split into its own mini-trilogy that collectively forms Broadcast 0. The complete trilogy, called the First Light Chronicles, is printed in the book so it effectively forms a must-read anthology of Freeground, Limbo and Starfree Port.

Like the rest of the series, Origins is written in the first person and tells the story from the perspective of Jonas Valent (the main character), as he captains an advanced, but decrepit-looking warship called the First Light in one of the most unique science fiction sagas that I've read in a long time.

Freeground: Four Stars
As the first book in the Spinward Fringe series, Freeground tells the events that see Jonas Valent plucked from his peaceful but mundane life as a space-traffic controller after he is caught illegally taking part in naval training simulations.

Knowing that he is facing serious legal charges that will undoubtedly lead to a long prison sentence and a hefty fine, Jonas has no choice but to cooperate with the Freeground Navy as it shatters his old life and puts him through a series of gruelling challenges along with his co-hackers. The stakes are high for Jonas and his friends, and not just because their failure will cost them everything. Should they succeed, the Navy has offered them more than just a clean slate: they have an unprecedented offer that recognises their exceptional abilities - skills that are essential if the space station is to survive the noose tightening around its neck...

Limbo: Five Stars 
Following on straight from where Freeground left off, Limbo tells of the disastrous events that follow Captain Jonas Valent and his crew after they enter the Gai-Ian System. Friends are gained, friends are lost and one is changed forever as the First Light desperately struggles to rescue a dire situation before their mission crumbles to nothing more than a scant memory... 

A true testament to the saying "don't jump without looking", Limbo is fast-paced and exciting - being every bit as engrossing as its predecessor as it provides an unpredictable story that is full of twists and turns!

Starfree Port: Five Stars 
As the final instalment of Spinward Fringe: Broadcast 0, Starfree Port does not disappoint and continues directly on from the end of Limbo, picking up with Captain Valent and his crew as they enjoy some well earned leave on a space station while the First Light undergoes some much needed repairs and a major overhaul that incorporates some of their stolen technology into its systems. 

Their peace is not destined to last however, and Jonas and his friends are assailed by mercenaries seeking to claim the lavish bounties placed on their heads by Vindyne and the Triad Consortium, who are closing in on both them and Freeground. So, stuck between a rock and a hard place, Freeground Command asks Jonas and his ship to participate in a dangerous mission alongside a deranged and infamous captain that is responsible for the ruthless slaughter of millions. Having no choice but to accept, Jonas knows that he must be diligent if he wants to keep his crew alive in their toughest mission yet - suspecting that, before the end, sacrifices will have to be made...


Final Thoughts

Following a continuously improving precedent with each novella being better than the last, Origins is a remarkable collection that undoubtedly paves the way for a gem of a series, which is really brought to life by its host of dynamic characters, its well thought-out and dynamic universe and a seamless lack of a gender divide. Due to this, I would recommend that you not only add Origins to your reading list, but you experience Spinward Fringe as soon as you can by moving it near to the top!

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