The Backworlds

By: M. Pax

Narrated by: Rish Outfield

After the war with Earth, bioengineered humans scatter across the Backworlds. Competition is fierce and pickings are scant. Scant enough that Craze's father decides to hoard his fortune by destroying his son. Cut off from family and friends, with little money, and even less knowledge of the worlds beyond his own, Craze heads into an uncertain future. Boarding the transport to Elstwhere, he vows to make his father regret this day.

©2013 Mary Pax-Shipley (P)2013 Mary Pax-Shipley

Easy listen

Kudos to the narrator, made the story an enjoyable listen. The story was OK but not overly exciting. It does end but leaves it possible for a follow up. I would listen to the next adventure

The stars and beyond

A futuristic space adventure with many breeds of people and different cultures to try to find wealth and acceptance.

Strange Dealings in Strange Places

etrayed by his father, his girlfriend, and community, Craze is cast into exile, forced to make his fortune on his own. His father has taught him a few skills, but Craze never intended to set up a business on another planet and he's going to have to earn a lot more chips before he can hope to buy what he needs to start his own tavern. A few chance encounters and a back alley deal with stolen goods seems to put the fortune he needs within reach. Well, maybe and maybe he'll be lucky to get out alive.

The Backworlds is a fast-paced, short novel that introduces this space opera series. The characters are varied and well-drawn, the planetary settings fascinating. The story of friendship and shady business dealings in some rather unsavory places drew me in and held my interest. The ending of course is a set up for the next adventure, but I'm looking forward to another ride with Craze and his new friends. He can probably trust them.

I enjoyed the various voices the narrator employed, especially the Australian accents. They voices fit with the characters. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.