Deadly Nightshade

A Prequel to the Man of War Series

By: H. Paul Honsinger

Narrated by: Lawrence Alexander

Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Max Robichaux’s thrilling adventures didn’t begin on 21 January 2315 when he took command of the USS Cumberland at the age of 28. Somehow, before that date, Max became an expert on battle tactics, the psychology of command and leadership, the customs and fighting techniques of the mysterious and powerful Vaaach race, and how to devise innovative strategies to defeat superior enemy forces, bringing his ship and his men home when the odds are against him.

Deadly Nightshade tells a small but crucial part of that story, shedding light on how Max became the creative, innovative, deadly warrior readers have come to know in the “Man of War” trilogy.

In June 2304, the 16-year-old green Ensign Max Robichaux is given a small but fast and stealthy ship to penetrate enemy space, observe a mock attack on a new kind of enemy battle station, and return with reams of information on the station, enemy weapons, enemy tactics, and other valuable intelligence.

Max finds that his vessel’s capabilities as well as his own courage and tenacity are tested when a Vaaach ship intervenes in the Krag exercise and takes Max away from his task...and from any hope of rescue. It seems that the Vaaach have their own uses for the young ensign and his nearly invisible craft. Max must fight his way past a superior force of alien fighters to come to the aid of a race being victimized in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. Once there, he must call upon every ounce of courage and the deepest parts of his humanity to save millions of lives through making what may prove to be the ultimate sacrifice.

Deadly Nightshade is a novella-length (approximately 37,000 words) tale of adventure, courage, tenacity, and sacrifice. It packs everything Honsinger’s listeners expect - realistically staged space combat, deep character development, believable aliens, and the thrill of being on a warship in deep space - into a compact package. It is also an easily accessible entree to the series for new listeners.

©2015 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2018 H. Paul Honsinger

Can’t wait for the next full novel.

Honsinger is the most entertaining Sci-fi author on Audible. Unfortunately, I’m assuming for cost reasons he used s different narrator than the original 3 books. Admiral Hornmeyer is the best character ever and deserves the original narrator. Nevertheless, this was another fun snack before the next book.

P.S. Mr Honsinger: the next book. Don’t just let them float around in space or hang out in a POW camp. Have them rescued, give them a new better ship and let them blow up rats. Thank you

A glimpse into the making of Captain Max Robichaux

This is a glimpse into Max as a teenager, giving us tidbits about how his past shaped him into the character we meet in The Man of War series. Should you read this first before the rest of the series? No. Is it required reading to understand the rest of the books in the series? No. Is it a delightful jaunt into the Man of War Universe- absolutely! Would I recommend it to the fans of the main series? Yes. Note that this is read by a different reader than the main series: Though no one can possibly compare to Ray Chase’s version of Hornmeyer, Lawrence Alexander has done a fine job of bringing us young Max.

too Short

this reader was very poor compared to the reader for the three main novels.
And, this is basically a chapter or two at most. put these short stories into a collection. and FINISH the main story. been waiting a goodly time, please dont develop Rothfuss-Martin syndrome and ruin all before. Really like the story so far and the audible performance is excellent.

Good add to series, narrator needs more expression

The story was a good addition. to the series, but I wish they used the other narrator. This narrator just seemed to read it out loud with no emotion. but in fairness, it could just be I am use to the other narrator and am spoiled.

Awesome story - bad voice for this series

I love the story. Read it back in 2015 when Paul offered it on Kindle. Truly love the story getting more background on the Vaaach and Max's Navy career. I bought (and bought for friends) the regular series books on paper and disc in 2014 til now. I really love Ray Chase's different voices and the way he brought Paul's amazing story-line to life. I know Lawrence Alexander has narrated multiple titles and Paul had stated that he was paying for the short story audibles himself; but Lawrence makes Max (a 16 year old in this story) sound like a little 6 year old. And the Vaaach whom we have already had the 'sound' of from the main 3 books come off as I can't even tell what. I LOVE THIS SERIES but I do not like this narration at all. Paul, I will continue to support you as you keep the story-line awesome and entertaining; but please get Ray Chase back for The Hunters of Vermin. Larry tries but really just kills the story and characters for any of us who have read, re-read, listened to, and re-listened to your awesome series.

1/4 of a story for the price of a complete book..

It's always nice to see a writer push a rushed story out just in time to generate a little money for his holiday shopping season needs. If I'd paid a dollar for this story outline then I'd say it was worth the buy. OK you fooled me once and I've learned my lesson,