Espero (Silver Ships, #6) (2024)

An expertly orchestrated addition to the Silver Ships series that sees President Racine mount a rescue mission to save his sister from abduction by some nefarious interstellar criminal types. Fast paced, adrenaline-inducing action scenes coupled with superb writing. A light and very good space opera that reads like a mystery thriller, and can also be read as a standalone. Recommended.

I did not find this book as enjoyable as the other books in the series. It is because of the theme of the story. The story is about New Terran criminal gangs, drugs and human trafficking. Alex Racine, the President of Haraken, finds out his sister, Christie, has been kidnapped by the human traffickers and has been taken off world. Alex sets out to get her back and shut down the criminal gangs.

This book is well written, but I did not enjoy the story about criminal gangs and corrupt politicians. I know that people will be the same on Earth or wherever they go, but I would prefer more about the cool silver ships and space adventures. It maybe my mood that turned me off the story and I am sure many readers will enjoy the story. I wonder what will happen to Miranda? Can Z create a new SAGE or is that even possible?

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and fifteen minutes long. Grover Gardner does an excellent job narrating the book. Gardner is an award-winning audiobook narrator.

Desolation

I loved the first book and the second, the third.. all of them, but this one. An effort wasted, it is not a scifi novella, pur and simple kidnapping story, boring, with some twists.. I skipped most of the book. The solid characters of the series didnt deserve that. I will wait for the upcoming one, out of respect but, without the same enthusiasm. I sincerely hope that it will return to glorious storytelling. If you like the series, you may skip this one, no harm done. I wish somebody told me to pass on that one.

There was an interesting start to the book but then it went downhill quite quickly.
The basic plot was fairly boring, especially the machinations of Toyo and Kadmir, which were bizarre and irritating rather than interesting. I found myself skipping pages during their big battle. Unfortunately, even when the Harakens got involved it didn’t get any more enjoyable, in fact it became more ‘Farce’ than SciFi.

In the end, I probably enjoyed the final round up, more than the rest of the book.

Very good!

I did not think that from the description I would enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed some of the others. However once we got though 2/3 of dealing with the gang issue the political part (which I enjoy) and the philosophical part of colliding cultures and worlds really shines in the last 1/3. This is one series that I hope as long as there are good stories to tell we can continue to tell them. This really reminds me a lot of Star-Trek and how I don't get tried of their adventures (some are better than others), but overall I hope to see more adventures of our captain turned president Alex, and his partner Ser Racine. One interesting note is that I am surprised in these books which are very modern and deal with lots of present day themes we have no seen any LGBT themes, and while I don't want a book focused on that it would be nice to see a character every once in a while with a same sex partner.

Another good one and can't wait for the next one!

Only mildly interesting and too long. This 6th entry tries to answer the question "what if Alex was in the movie 'Taken'?"

Alex's sister is taken and Alex leads the charge to get her back. "Leads" is a bit of a strong sentiment as while he leads, he personally does little to get her back. There is no space battles, few fights and mostly infiltration and political negotiation.

The book isn't bad and is, for the most part, interesting. However, it carries on far too long.

The audio book is about 15 hours long, with previous entries between about 10-12. 10 ish hours is the appropriate length for the plot of one of these books. The extra length of this book was just to prolong the plot, adding complications and dragging out the conflict.

So far in the series, Alex has been presented with 1 antagonist person or group and has had the backing of everyone else. This time Alex wades into a sea of groups, all whom want to bring his downfall. Finally we are seeing the cracks in Alex's character as he falters in dealing with all of the different influences. Not falter in terms that a normal human being would, but falter for Alex.

This was a bit of a low point in the series, so far. Not bad, just not as good as the other books. Too long with a mostly uninteresting plot, but it was nice to see Alex is no longer super man and is not able to just wipe all problems aside.

Robert's Review

I enjoy this universe immensely, the daily lives of the Harakens' is very interesting. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) constructs attaining sentience is not new too Sci Fy, however as portrayed here is a reflection of possible trends in our own society. The topics discussed in this series in regards to SADEs is possibly the same as we currently view new ideas, groups or technology designed to enhance and assist mankind in our march to the future. I look forward to future activities in this universe and hope that adventures of Alex Racine and his people continue for a time. Thanks for a goodread...

Every new book brings more complexity and expands the story to multiple ones

S. H. Jucha has done a wonderful job with this series of books, every new book is a great expansion of new stories and new possibilities. This is maybe the most complex book with the so many parallel stories happening all around an simple event that brings so many political complexities. And as always the Harakens will go back home with new citizens looking for a new place to realize that life next to Alex Racine can be full of excitement adventure and dangers

A very different book in the series

I really enjoyed this book as a departure from the recent books’ space battles. I surmised what was going to happen in chapter 2 but it neatly setup the rest of the book. I love the increasing use of SADEs (Self Aware Digital Entities) in each of the last few books and continuing in Espero.

What I find fascinating is how Jucha positions himself to go in a completely new direction as each book comes to a close.

Can hardly wait for the next book!

Sorry to say, this book was not for me. I read it but it was to much hard work. I bought the series on what I'd previously read which was what I call Science fiction. This book Espero was to much realistic for me "drugs, kidnapping and abuse of children, young families and young females". I am going to have a break from this series and return to Military Science fiction. I'll be back a little later and give the 7th book of this series a second chance.

Another good entry in the series

It has been a while since I read the previous boooks in this series. This one didn’t quite grab and hold my interest as the earlier volumes have. There are still some interesting things going on, for example the continued “evolution” of the SADES. I am looking forward to the next volume, and would recommend the series.

Thank you.

It sounds like so little. Two simple words, Thank you. It means lot to me though and I just want you to know my whole hearted appreciation to you for being the writer that you are. Your stories go beyond just entertaining, they are also very sincere messages. Once again, thank you! ❤️

For the most part, I have enjoyed this series so far. There are a few confused tenses here and there but there is really only one thing about this series that I REALLY don't like; that's the made up word "Ser". It means anyone, or someone? I'm NOT an unidentifiable someone, I'm ME, I'm DAN, I'm a MALE. Anyone trying to make MY existence ambiguous will have problems.

Really Good Sci-fi!

This series has come a long way from the initial Silver Ships. I have thoroughly enjoyed the character and plot development through all of them! One of my all time favorite Sci-Fi series!

Not as good as the other books in the series

I found this book to be my least favorite of the series so far it was not as exciting as previous book and has very little action to offer.

I’m tired trying to find the words for reviewing a series which every one of its book should have the same review so I’ll just write one word “ EXCELLENT !!!! “ and here is hoping that it will continue to be which till now I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t.

Fully recommended !!!

Actually 2.5. Story is good, but the protagonist is too perfect and wins without even trying.

Repetition, POV issues, and grammatical problem tell me the work was not professionally edited. Probably a 20 books try.

All is not as it seems in New Terra?

Another intriguing storyline which develops from a kidnapping to a drug-bust with political overtones. Maybe a little dry for some. I was struggling to finish this but glad I persevered.I

Loved this book. Great continuation of what feel like old friend's story. The author really makes you care about the characters.

I love this series!

Thriller

I have truly enjoyed reading this book and it has a lot of action.
Keep up the great story ! Thank you

AHHHHHH !

Another fine story comes to a close. Love the characters and the story line. Would love to see one where Alex, nearing old age conciders tranfering to an avatar.

Very happy that I found this author and series. Have enjoyed all the books so far equally well, which I intend to be high praise.

Another great book. I love this series.

Another hit!

I still am amazed at how well thought out the characters and environment is laid out, loved it... good grief next book no sleeping now...

Tough Read

The author continues with his outstanding characters, premise and universe but the story drags on through tedious detail. The weakest effort of the series thus far. I powered through this one out of sheer stubbornness but look forward returning to the pace we’ve come to expect in Book 7 and the rest of the series.

Enemy within

Saving other people does not always result in they like you, sometimes they end up hating you. Alex Racine found this out the very hard way...

The most interesting plot of the series so far, with a great ensemble class, good sci-fi, and believable characters driving the narrative.

Outside the box

Shades of Isaac I loved the foundation series even though I had a hard time with the mules character in the series