Reviewed: September 1st, 2023
Released: December 23rd, 2018
Genre: Science Fiction
The Princess Problem
by Jeanne Adams
It’s Christmas on Outcast Station and Chief Station Marshal Brad Carruthers has a princess problem. It seems one of orphans from the station’s accidental plague is a princess––soon to be queen––and several people want to kill her. Brad isn’t about to let that happen on his watch. Outcast Station already has enough of a bad reputation without losing princesses. However, when she’s kidnapped, the station springs to action. In the end, can a motley assortment of crew and orphans help Brad find the lost princess before Christmas?
Scorpions for Christmas
by Nancy Northcott
For Federated Colonies Deputy Marshal Hank Tremaine, the only bright spot in his posting to the back end of beyond is its proximity to the Drachan Empire. Fascinated by the scorpioid Drachans, he’s eager to learn more about them. He should’ve been careful what he wished for. A Drachan has been murdered at the local spaceport and a priceless religious artifact stolen. As diplomatic tensions mount, Hank and his comrades race to find the killer and the missing relic before interstellar war breaks out.
Helen’s thoughts: 4/5
A compilation of two short stories.
A Princess Problem – Jeanne Adams
This was my first introduction to Outcast station, a distant outpost of civilisation where all the out of luckers seem to end up. Only Station Master Carruthers doesn’t see it like that. He is determined to protect those on his station, even an orphan princess with a price on her head, especially as it is the season of goodwill.
My favourite character was Zim, running poor Rachen ragged. Made me chuckle.
For a short story, this tale had a lot characters and tried to pack a lot of action in. It did feel rushed, with the cast of charcters it could’ve been a full length novel. Combine that with the authors imagination to create as many species as possible and this became a little overwhelming remembering who was what.
Still, I enjoyed the story and meeting Carruthers and his team, I’m sure Outcast station will provide the opportunity for many more mishaps.
Scorpions for Christmas by Nancy Northcott
An enjoyable murder mystery for Deputy Marshall Hank Trentham of Outcast station to solve.
Hank was great character, new to the station and unfairly treated by his boss, he is on the losing end of any job. Wilmslow truly is a horrible boss. It’s fortunate the Marshalls have a few people with some honour, otherwise Outcast station would be a hotbed of rebellion.
The Drachan were an interesting species, making Hank’s investigation even more difficult. The story was an interesting insight into what life at the frontier of civilization could be like, and it was nice to see Hank building relationships, even though he can’t wait to leave.
A nice addition to the stories of Outcast station.
I recieved an ARC from Hidden Gems and am leaving an honest review.
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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