In Ashes Born

A Seeker's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1

By: Nathan Lowell

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

An old friend. A new course. A deadly ship with a secret cargo.

Ishmael Wang returns to Port Newmar, but ghosts from his past have followed him. His old shipmate, Phillip Carstairs, offers him the opportunity to track down the man who killed his lover. The catch? He must take command of the Chernyakova, a ship that still stinks of death and haunts Ishmael's nightmares.

Together Phillip and Ismael begin a journey into unknown reaches of the Deep Dark to bring back the man who killed Greta.

©2015 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Story-Yes, Narrator-No

This is part of a great series and you'll want to read them all BUT.... if you started with the stories read by the author, Mr. Kafer's narration does not compare at all, and it is hard to adjust. I'm buying the next, solely because I'm caught in the story, but if there was an option with some other narrator (preferably the author) that would have been HIGHLY preferable.

A Continuation of an Enjoyable Series

This is actually the next book in the "Golden Age of the Solar Clipper" series. If you liked those books, then you will like this. if you have not read them -- consider going back and starting with Quarter Share.

That being said, this is a good continuation of a story that is almost unique in Space Opera type books. There are many books and series which translate military service into space -- but this is a translation of the Merchant Marine to space. I doubt that any other series has the attention to detail of shipping and serving in the merchant service rather than space battles and galaxy-saving heroics.

This is a series about a boy who becomes a man, and his experiences as he progresses through that life.

Perfect Binge Listening Fodder

Ok. Start with Lowell's book "Quarter Share" and enjoy the life of Ishmael Wang. I know I have. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you Mr. Lowell.

Excellent storytelling

What made the experience of listening to In Ashes Born the most enjoyable?

I was introduced to Ishmael & friends in a version read by the author. The first person narrative just seems right to listen to, as if you are listening to a friend recount a tale.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In Ashes Born?

Ishmael's conversations with his Tai Chi instructor. Plus there were subtle call outs that made me laugh when I got them.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time listening to Mr Kafer. It was a different experience - not quite the same as the author reading, but I feel he did a great job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The realizations by Ishmael of just how blessed he's been. I have a feeling the next book will continue that theme. Also, #1 sponge.

Any additional comments?

I've loved this author for years - I've listened to the first series several times and appreciated in a new way each time. If you just like an adventure, it's there, though the tone of this book is a bit more reflective than the Trader's Tale.series. I'd recommend you start there to fully appreciate this new series.

Great story. Picks up right where Owners share leaves off

I have enjoyed the whole solar clipper series and In Ashes Born is a great addition to the series. Even though I would have preferred to have heard Nathan Lowell read the book, I found Jeffrey Kafer’s rendition of the characters to fit in with the story. Cant wait to read the next installment.

Nathan's books are always a pleasure.

Nathan. I've read or listened to all that you've published and I've yet to be disappointed. My only criticism is that you haven't written more. Hell, I'd probably buy a collection of bathroom graffiti if you were the author.

great experience

Mr. Lowell writes a great story and awesome book. The reader sounds like a movie announcer,but I was still engaged the whole book through.

enjoy this series very much

this narrator reminded of the star of dragnet the old series. he was ok but definitely not nathan lowell whose voice ive grown used to with Ishmael character. but all in all because of the story was still a great story.

Enjoyable

My opinion is biased I am a fan of the original series. I enjoyed this greatly.

Great audiobook!

Would you consider the audio edition of In Ashes Born to be better than the print version?

In ways yes. The book was pretty good, but the audio version took it to new heights. I've read the entire series, and have all the audiobooks. This is the best one.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Got to love Pip!

What does Jeffrey Kafer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jeffrey Kafer would do great reading the old detective Noir books. He plays off the droll humor with that deep voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

My favorite was reuniting with Commandant Giogonne, and of course with Cookie.

Any additional comments?

If you like the Solar Clipper series you will love this book. I would like to hear what happened to Brill, and maybe meet back up with Bev. I was disappointed in the books that they just dropped off with just a couple of lines of how they grew apart. Looking forward to the next book.