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The Targon Tales #1
The Catalyst
It's no easy tour of duty for Lt. Nova Whiteside when her interstellar transport is taken by pirates and she is then tagged for termination. Could it have something to do with the strange little alien they were transporting? Having gone from merely MIA to technically AWOL, any chance of escape leaves her no choice but to rely on Sethran Kada, a former lover, for help.
Unfortunately, she realizes that they are now on opposite sides of an escalating war between the Commonwealth Union of Planets and an increasingly dangerous rebel organization.
In trying to find who is threatening her life, they discover a plot to destroy a distant planet - a world inhabited by creatures that are the key to Nova's survival - and a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Union Commonwealth.
Can Nova go beyond her strict military training to cooperate with people whom she is sworn to destroy?
Although the Targon Tales are numbered chronologically, each book is a complete adventure. The volumes describe common themes, settings and characters but can be read in any order.
Unfortunately, she realizes that they are now on opposite sides of an escalating war between the Commonwealth Union of Planets and an increasingly dangerous rebel organization.
In trying to find who is threatening her life, they discover a plot to destroy a distant planet - a world inhabited by creatures that are the key to Nova's survival - and a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Union Commonwealth.
Can Nova go beyond her strict military training to cooperate with people whom she is sworn to destroy?
Although the Targon Tales are numbered chronologically, each book is a complete adventure. The volumes describe common themes, settings and characters but can be read in any order.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2012
About the author
Chris Reher
22 books109 followersI am a first generation Canadian currently and out of necessity residing on planet Earth (which, in the general and interplanetary scheme of things could REALLY use a catchier name, if you ask me. I mean, imagine heading past Proxima Centauri and someone asks you whence you came and you tell them "dirt". All theological implications aside, that just won't do.)
My first full-length work of fiction, Flight To Exile, is a fantasy which, I just realized, takes place on a planet that doesn't have a name at all and blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy in ways that are probably illegal.
I then headed out far beyond Proxima Centauri and found a nifty story that soon turned into a Space Opera complete with wormholes and improbable laser guns. What fun. Laws of physics need not apply if you find a way to explain them away.
The series stars Nova Whiteside as a space marine whose pesky humanity keeps getting in the way of her doing her job according to protocol.
Currently, there are five books in the series, with three more planned.
When not finding ways to torture my subjects or entice them with inter-species hanky-panky, I design web sites or write about designing web sites. I enjoy long walks on the beach or, given the local beach shortage, write about beaches far beyond Proxima Centauri.
My first full-length work of fiction, Flight To Exile, is a fantasy which, I just realized, takes place on a planet that doesn't have a name at all and blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy in ways that are probably illegal.
I then headed out far beyond Proxima Centauri and found a nifty story that soon turned into a Space Opera complete with wormholes and improbable laser guns. What fun. Laws of physics need not apply if you find a way to explain them away.
The series stars Nova Whiteside as a space marine whose pesky humanity keeps getting in the way of her doing her job according to protocol.
Currently, there are five books in the series, with three more planned.
When not finding ways to torture my subjects or entice them with inter-species hanky-panky, I design web sites or write about designing web sites. I enjoy long walks on the beach or, given the local beach shortage, write about beaches far beyond Proxima Centauri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 7, 2013
Quite a readable story.
Don't expect deep SFnal details. The POV isn't particularly deep and wavers, so at time I found it hard to connect with the characters.
But the story is OK, readable and the characters and plot work.
The following is really nitpicky stuff:
For people who care about the science in science fiction, I found some aspects deeply unbelievable.
I realise it's a plot McGuffin and its precise working is unimportant for the plot, but... water ash? Seriously? The name of that substance is so unfortunate.
The Oxford dictionary definition of ash:
2
a : the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means
b : fine particles of mineral matter from a volcanic vent
OK, so "water ash" would be burned water. The chemical definition of burning is oxydising. Water H2O is already oxydised and cannot be oxydised further. Water is "hydrogen rust". I completely fail to grasp what "water ash" is supposed to be, and this "water ash" is then supposed to oxydise even further??? Seriously? This bothered me throughout the book, and this is why I say that the name of the substance is unfortunate. This name is nonsensical and would have been better off being a completely made-up term.
We also have large space ships landing on planets again. I had a bit rant about this elsewhere.
I accept that not everyone writes hard SF, nor does everyone need to do so, but just a little googling would go a very long way to maintain the science in what is otherwise very light space opera.
Don't expect deep SFnal details. The POV isn't particularly deep and wavers, so at time I found it hard to connect with the characters.
But the story is OK, readable and the characters and plot work.
The following is really nitpicky stuff:
For people who care about the science in science fiction, I found some aspects deeply unbelievable.
I realise it's a plot McGuffin and its precise working is unimportant for the plot, but... water ash? Seriously? The name of that substance is so unfortunate.
The Oxford dictionary definition of ash:
2
a : the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means
b : fine particles of mineral matter from a volcanic vent
OK, so "water ash" would be burned water. The chemical definition of burning is oxydising. Water H2O is already oxydised and cannot be oxydised further. Water is "hydrogen rust". I completely fail to grasp what "water ash" is supposed to be, and this "water ash" is then supposed to oxydise even further??? Seriously? This bothered me throughout the book, and this is why I say that the name of the substance is unfortunate. This name is nonsensical and would have been better off being a completely made-up term.
We also have large space ships landing on planets again. I had a bit rant about this elsewhere.
I accept that not everyone writes hard SF, nor does everyone need to do so, but just a little googling would go a very long way to maintain the science in what is otherwise very light space opera.
January 3, 2017
When a supposedly routine mission protecting a transport goes south, Lieutenant Nova Whiteside only manages to escape the vessel under attack with the help of her former lover Seth - who now happens to be on the other side the growing conflict between the Union Nova serves and a dangerous rebel organisation. Additionally, a strange encounter with an alien species during the attack appears to have exceedingly unpleasant and dangerous consequences for her health and she finds herself a target for assassination to boot. Not knowing who to trust in what looks more and more like a huge conspiracy with potentially dire consequences, she and Seth are forced to work together to figure out what's going on and put a stop to it.
This fastpaced sci-fi adventure was overall a fairly entertaining read, although I didn't care much for the romance between Nova and Seth - it kinda seemed to be there for no other reason than the author wanted there to be a little sex in the book, I didn't feel much in the way of chemistry between them.
This fastpaced sci-fi adventure was overall a fairly entertaining read, although I didn't care much for the romance between Nova and Seth - it kinda seemed to be there for no other reason than the author wanted there to be a little sex in the book, I didn't feel much in the way of chemistry between them.
September 30, 2013
The Catalyst…Needs an editor.
Another book I was looking forward to enjoying. Sadly, not the case. I came across over ninety issues with this work. I applaud any author who puts themselves out there with a good story to tell. This is could have been one of them.
Mr. Reher at times, shows signs of brilliance with his descriptions of the new worlds and the forces controlling it. But then the story bogs down with poor dialogue and sub-plots which become trivial and excessive. The love affair between Seth and Nova showed great potential, but was much too forced and predictable.
The ending at best was anti-climatic. I was hoping for something hard-hitting which would tie all the players together, instead, for me, it fizzled out. Why? It was the editing, plain and simple. I find it very difficult to enjoy a story when it keeps getting interrupted with punctuation issues, missing words and lost thoughts.
As is, 2.5 stars.
Another book I was looking forward to enjoying. Sadly, not the case. I came across over ninety issues with this work. I applaud any author who puts themselves out there with a good story to tell. This is could have been one of them.
Mr. Reher at times, shows signs of brilliance with his descriptions of the new worlds and the forces controlling it. But then the story bogs down with poor dialogue and sub-plots which become trivial and excessive. The love affair between Seth and Nova showed great potential, but was much too forced and predictable.
The ending at best was anti-climatic. I was hoping for something hard-hitting which would tie all the players together, instead, for me, it fizzled out. Why? It was the editing, plain and simple. I find it very difficult to enjoy a story when it keeps getting interrupted with punctuation issues, missing words and lost thoughts.
As is, 2.5 stars.
January 7, 2014
As an SFR I really wanted to like this book but it just didn't happen. Bailed on page 84. Chris needs to rid her writing of 'had'. I admit it's a pet peeve of mine but she has some serious 'had attacks' in this book.
That aside, I found the interaction of the main characters less than fulfilling.
That aside, I found the interaction of the main characters less than fulfilling.
February 18, 2013
Excellent!
I enjoy very much Nova's adventures! She's sooo good! I like the way she acts, how she tinks, the determination she has!
And the stories are really interesting.
Very good job!
I cannot wait for the next one! :D
I enjoy very much Nova's adventures! She's sooo good! I like the way she acts, how she tinks, the determination she has!
And the stories are really interesting.
Very good job!
I cannot wait for the next one! :D
May 29, 2017
Despite the grammar issues and 3 f-bombs I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of The Catalyst.
However, I could do without the language and sex scenes. Skipped over those parts as much as possible as they really aren't pertinent to the storyline.
Spoiler* Something that really bothered me was that the catalyst relief on lack of exposure to oxygen. The blood is an oxygen rich environment, so this puts a major flaw in the story. The Catalyst should have been rendered obsolete by that logic alone. Good thing the writing is good enough to hold the readers attention, or this would go in the utter trash pile for that reason. *End of spoilers
For my clean readers:
Language(3 f-bombs), violence, murder, sex scenes(including humor and implied sexual actions).
However, I could do without the language and sex scenes. Skipped over those parts as much as possible as they really aren't pertinent to the storyline.
Spoiler* Something that really bothered me was that the catalyst relief on lack of exposure to oxygen. The blood is an oxygen rich environment, so this puts a major flaw in the story. The Catalyst should have been rendered obsolete by that logic alone. Good thing the writing is good enough to hold the readers attention, or this would go in the utter trash pile for that reason. *End of spoilers
For my clean readers:
Language(3 f-bombs), violence, murder, sex scenes(including humor and implied sexual actions).
January 27, 2013
I started this book while I was waiting for a treadmill to open up at the gym. I was with my husband, and after the first couple of pages, I turned to him and said, "I'm officially impressed. This is well-written!" There was a part in the beginning where the main character, Nova, had to communicate silently with a fellow soldier, and the description of their wordless conversation was unique.
I like Nova, the main character, as well as Seth, her love interest and kind of co-main character. They had fun personalities, and Nova was relatable. As far as writing goes, this is more like a 4.5 star book, but there were a few issues I had with it that took a star away. The main one was a general feeling of confusion through some of the plot points and descriptions. I had to go back and read things over several times, and even then I was left kind of scratching my head. I would have loved to see some more detailed descriptions of all these space bases, alien worlds, and interesting characters. There were quite a few moments where Reher gave a dead on, stellar description of something, and then others were he kind of glossed over it. I'm all for letting the reader use their imagination to fill in the gaps, but there were so many gaps that I couldn't envision most of their locations.
On the plus side, I'm a huge fan of the T.V. show "Firefly," and I'm willing to bet that Mr. Reher is, too. It had that feel about it. It was gritty and realistic, and some of the worlds they visited were almost old fashioned feeling...except that they have laser guns you can set to stun, and blue-haired, Spock-like creatures who can control ships with their minds.
For the full review, visit my blog here: http://alyssaauch.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I like Nova, the main character, as well as Seth, her love interest and kind of co-main character. They had fun personalities, and Nova was relatable. As far as writing goes, this is more like a 4.5 star book, but there were a few issues I had with it that took a star away. The main one was a general feeling of confusion through some of the plot points and descriptions. I had to go back and read things over several times, and even then I was left kind of scratching my head. I would have loved to see some more detailed descriptions of all these space bases, alien worlds, and interesting characters. There were quite a few moments where Reher gave a dead on, stellar description of something, and then others were he kind of glossed over it. I'm all for letting the reader use their imagination to fill in the gaps, but there were so many gaps that I couldn't envision most of their locations.
On the plus side, I'm a huge fan of the T.V. show "Firefly," and I'm willing to bet that Mr. Reher is, too. It had that feel about it. It was gritty and realistic, and some of the worlds they visited were almost old fashioned feeling...except that they have laser guns you can set to stun, and blue-haired, Spock-like creatures who can control ships with their minds.
For the full review, visit my blog here: http://alyssaauch.blogspot.com/2013/0...
May 26, 2013
I thought this and the other two in the Nova Whiteside series, Only Human and Rebel Alliances, were a lot of fun. Although our female protagonist is a relatively high ranking and experience military officer, she does spend quite a bit of time being rescued and oggled by brawny, gorgeous men, and having good sex too, which I appreciate :) But while the relationship between her and her male costars is central to the story, it doesn't completely sidetrack it, which I also appreciate. The story itself is frontier politics - big and powerful alliances verses terrorist separatists - and there's plenty of playing around in space ships and on strange planets with stranger scenery to keep things interesting and moving outside of the romance department. This is the Star Wars school of character development - good guys tend to be good, bad guys tend to be bad, but here and there Reher did play with these expectations in her supporting cast, which made them more interesting. Enjoyable, and I will read the next one.
October 12, 2015
Nova Whiteside is an interesting sci-fi character. I find her likeable in most settings, annoying in others. Just like a real person. Traveling companion Seth Kada is a strong counter-point to Nova, as characters go, creating a good tension.
The other characters provide good interaction and impact the storyline as good players should. Enough surprises to make turning the pages easy.
I found some of the science and one of the alien settings to be confusing. That could just be me, or it could be the writing. Barring that, I would have rated this one a 5.0 star read.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and recommended to all who enjoy Sci-Fi with some flingy romance thrown in.
Thanks to Chris Reher for this good read. I already have another of your books on my "to read" shelf.
The other characters provide good interaction and impact the storyline as good players should. Enough surprises to make turning the pages easy.
I found some of the science and one of the alien settings to be confusing. That could just be me, or it could be the writing. Barring that, I would have rated this one a 5.0 star read.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and recommended to all who enjoy Sci-Fi with some flingy romance thrown in.
Thanks to Chris Reher for this good read. I already have another of your books on my "to read" shelf.
July 31, 2016
Good Military Scifi
A nice balance of action, romance and military scifi.
While guarding an assigned package, Lieutenant Whiteside and team are attacked by rebel forces. The package breaks open to reveal an alien squid-like creature that bites Nova, implanting a "catalyst" into her blood.
Under rebel attack, she is saved by Seth Kadan, ex-boyfriend, and now rebel. Or is he? Threading a dangerous path of spies, high-level traitors, double agents and aliens, Nova and Seth try to stay alive while revisiting the passions of their past and ferreting out traitors so they can save a helpless alien world from destruction.
Interesting aliens and believable characters.
A nice balance of action, romance and military scifi.
While guarding an assigned package, Lieutenant Whiteside and team are attacked by rebel forces. The package breaks open to reveal an alien squid-like creature that bites Nova, implanting a "catalyst" into her blood.
Under rebel attack, she is saved by Seth Kadan, ex-boyfriend, and now rebel. Or is he? Threading a dangerous path of spies, high-level traitors, double agents and aliens, Nova and Seth try to stay alive while revisiting the passions of their past and ferreting out traitors so they can save a helpless alien world from destruction.
Interesting aliens and believable characters.
December 24, 2012
I'm not sure if I loved this book because I was already familiar with the plot and some of the different aspects of this universe, or simply because the story was that good.
If you're already acquainted with Nova, this is a must read. If you're not, this is the best place to start. I think there's a bit of a gap between this book and the next, but overall this is a fun read - mystery, romance, rebels, Union soldiers, civilians, science...just overall a well-put together story.
If you're already acquainted with Nova, this is a must read. If you're not, this is the best place to start. I think there's a bit of a gap between this book and the next, but overall this is a fun read - mystery, romance, rebels, Union soldiers, civilians, science...just overall a well-put together story.
September 16, 2017
Maybe for Young Adult, could not really get it going. I read more than a 1/3, but was predictable, meh!!
January 12, 2018
I thought this was an enjoyable read, close to, but not quite, pulp fiction. Not very intense, no big questions pondered, but an action packed, fast read a bit like a James Bond type book set in space. There are goodies and baddies (although the line between these factions thankfully begins to blur quite a bit as the story unfolds), some standard characters (the Orc-like brutes, the unemotional intellectual Vesuvian-like species, the "rebels", the Han Solo-like lovable rogue, the pirate/slaver/drug runner, etc), a lot of military action, chases on dilapidated space stations, space fights, shooting before asking, some double agenting, and some bedroom action - definitely reminded me of 1970s writing. The book is not very heavy on philosophical aspects and the politics of the universe are only vaguely outlined. I seriously lost my suspense of disbelief when a quick trip to a hidden planet through a type of wormhole resulted in the natives of the planet just blithely accepting that a compound that would change the entire planet should be released there, because a few people they only just met and whose qualifications they cannot evaluate say so. Apart from that it was a hoot.
December 5, 2019
Lieutenant Nova Whiteside inadvertently becomes the prey in a deadly game between the leaders of the Union she serves, the Rebel forces, and aliens desperate to save their planet from plunder. When her ship is attacked, she is saved by an old flame whose loyalties are dubious. Is Sethran a pirate as he’d like her to believe, or does he have a secret agenda that supports her same goals? She has no choice except to trust him as they are hunted down by forces seeking to destroy her. She’s the only one who can save an alien race, and Seth, with his unsavory connections, is the only man who can get her to their planet in time.
December 31, 2017
A reader cannot lose when they chose one of Chris Reher's books or short stories to read. Chris thoroughly develops her characters and plots. Each of her books are a joy to read and at the end you are not left hanging, but you just know there is more to tell. I was very glad when let me know that her books were now available on B&N. So I was finally able to purchase this one, Only Human, Delphi Promised, Terminus Shift, and Entropy's End. I already had copies of Sky Hunter and Quantum Tangle and reread those.
August 16, 2019
Tons of action. Fluffy romance thrown about with mild sex scenes. I enjoyed the interplay between the human woman Nova Whiteside and alien Seth who were at odds concerning ethics of space exploration versus space exploitation of people and planet resources. There were areas needing editing, especially the way Reher uses the present tense vs. past. She uses the term "here" when denoting a place. It got grating. The depiction of the Union politics representing planets in the commonwealth was interesting, mirroring Earthly world politics.
I enjoyed the journey.
I enjoyed the journey.
July 19, 2017
Good read
This was my second time trying to read this book. The begin g is a little confusing with character development. Luckily for me I found a prequel and it made this book so much better because it did a better job of introducing me to the world dynamics and I fell in love with the main female character so the transitions in this book were bearable.
This was my second time trying to read this book. The begin g is a little confusing with character development. Luckily for me I found a prequel and it made this book so much better because it did a better job of introducing me to the world dynamics and I fell in love with the main female character so the transitions in this book were bearable.
May 7, 2017
An enjoyable read
An enjoyable read. I found the two main characters quite interesting and became engrossed in their story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
An enjoyable read. I found the two main characters quite interesting and became engrossed in their story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 4, 2017
Good read! Kept me involved all the way to the end!
A very enjoyable syfy romp! I look forward to reading more books in the series! Anyone that enjoys space opera will like this book!
A very enjoyable syfy romp! I look forward to reading more books in the series! Anyone that enjoys space opera will like this book!
September 24, 2019
It will leave you breathless.
This is a great story with awesome characters. The fast paced storyline and action packed adventure is full of plot twist which keep you in your reading toes. I highly recommend this book.
This is a great story with awesome characters. The fast paced storyline and action packed adventure is full of plot twist which keep you in your reading toes. I highly recommend this book.
March 25, 2020
Happy sigh!
Another day off spent reading an exciting and enjoyable book! Hmmm...rumor has it there's more! I have another hour 'til bedtime (and I'll probably be reading at least another hour last that)! Think I'll get the next one! 'Bye!
Another day off spent reading an exciting and enjoyable book! Hmmm...rumor has it there's more! I have another hour 'til bedtime (and I'll probably be reading at least another hour last that)! Think I'll get the next one! 'Bye!
November 30, 2020
Space battles, romance, intrigue, what else do you need?!
The reader will be dazzled by the story line while seeing the romance between the two main characters. Space warfare that is well explained technologies with description of attack methods. Can't wait to get book two!
The reader will be dazzled by the story line while seeing the romance between the two main characters. Space warfare that is well explained technologies with description of attack methods. Can't wait to get book two!
January 31, 2023
Even better than zero
Book 0 was good but rough ( violence on females ) so Book 1 is a step up even though Nova is a victim yet again. Seth is quite a character and the interplay was fun. This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
Book 0 was good but rough ( violence on females ) so Book 1 is a step up even though Nova is a victim yet again. Seth is quite a character and the interplay was fun. This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
August 2, 2017
Nice little space opera
October 1, 2017
Entertaining light read
A bit disjointed in the beginning, story was a bit hard to follow. Picked up rapidly and ended strong. Recommended
A bit disjointed in the beginning, story was a bit hard to follow. Picked up rapidly and ended strong. Recommended
December 24, 2018
A good sci-fi story with great characters and a well designed plot. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.
August 15, 2019
cracking read,cant wait to read others in series!
August 17, 2019
Enjoyed the flow of the story and the characters
December 31, 2021
It was ok
April 5, 2022
Enjoyable
A fun read. Not particularly complicated. Many times I found Nova annoying and self righteous but she didn't stop me.
A fun read. Not particularly complicated. Many times I found Nova annoying and self righteous but she didn't stop me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews