Star Warrior (Star Warrior Quadrilogy Book 1)

First off, the level of inspiration from Star Wars is so high that it is distracting. Luke....I mean, Tane the moisture farmer...er, hydroponics engineer, is super annoying. The Jedi...I mean, Volur, are flat characters that never have their motivations explained. For whatever reason both the Volur Council and the Imperials....I mean, TSN, are painted as being power hungry and evil, but Tane just so happens to meet the two exceptions.

In any case, I could offer a lot of criticism but it boils down to how repetitive these two books are. Despite fighting the TSN and aliens, every encounter is exactly the same. The weapons used against him are the same, the motivations of his enemies are the same...it's just boring and that is a true feat. The second thing is that this MC is insanely cringey and reads like a 14 year old instead of early 20s. The "romance" in the 2nd book is the most painful cringe I've ever read.

Star Warrior has the classic Hooke ingredients: good, quirky, well written characters, detailed and visual action and an undertone of humour running throughout. Star Warrior introduces elements of LitRPG into the story. Game, a young engineer and aquaponics farmer has always dreamed of escape through discovering that he has the ability to Syphon, something many dream of but very few have. Before returning home to his parent's farm, Tane decides to get himself chipped, normally a non invasive procedure which potentially increases his prowess in almost everything (but expensive). Waking after the procedure, he learns that something had gone wrong and the mechanic had to open his head to intervene but, not to worry, all had now been solved and could not happen again.
But as soon as he is home, strange events begin and he and his parents are under attack.

The opening passage where Tane gets his chip are delightful, as the reader becomes aquainted with robot humour, which congrats nicely with the more serious problems to come. The accessible RPG panels detailing precise descriptions and useful features of items encountered is a clever device to provide fast information to both the reader and the player at any given time. All of the protagonists are great with the exception, I regret to say, of Tane himself who remains a fairly two dimensional, not too bright, self obsessed teenage boy - oh, there you go, got it! He's the typical teen with add on abilities. Okay.

This is book one in what looks to be another enjoyable Isaac Hooke space extraveganza S.F. special. Definitely recommended for fun and thrills.

This book was, for me, more work than entertainment. I ended up skimming through a LOT of this book. Way too much time spent discussing skills levels, what the levels where, how to obtain more levels (in excruciating detail), how many categories of skills there were, yada yada yada. Also ended up skimming through two of the more protracted action scenes that went on forever. The only reason I finished it was to get some plotline closure.

Furthermore, the protagonist wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. Some very obvious clues weren’t connected until the end of the novel. I don’t understand this; the author puts them in there for the readers benefit, we see them (how could we not, they’re extremely obvious), but none of the characters do? This isn’t the first author I’ve read that does this, not sure I understand why since it conveys that the characters true struggle is with 2-digit IQ’s. There were a few other issues I had with some of the actions in this book, but nothing I’ll get into here (spoiler ridden).

There were a lot of high ratings on this book so obviously a lot of people liked it; I appear to be in the minority. I could see why gamers might like it, if reaching new levels is your thing (at 694 pages, you’d have to really like gaming).

This story is more fantasy than sci-fi, overlaid with a heavy dose of RPG mechanics and measures. In the end, i guess im not a LitRPG fan. Not surprising as I also don't like playing RPG games. In the games I find there is a steep learning curve and the RPG mechanics are extremely distracting to the story and game play. In this book, and the few other LitRPG books I've read, I feel similarly distracted and just don't understand the point.

I general, excepting the RPG elements, i found the story enjoyable but derivative, the characters distinct but two dimensional and the writing to be workman-like and mostly well edited. If it weren't for the LitRPG elements, I believe I would have enjoyed reading the remainder of the series. In fact, no comment on the relative quality of this book, this will be my last LitRPG book. The genre just isn't for me.

This is hopefully the first book in a new series. I have read a lot of Isaac Hooke’s books. I enjoy reading them and they usually get 4 stars. This is the first book I am am giving 5 stars! I could not wait to finish this book! The story follows Tane, a young man who is not quite sure what he wants to do with his life. His life starts changing when his parent’s farm gets attacked by aliens. This starts an exciting series of events. You get to follow Tane’s growth from insecure youth to self assured young man.
I love the characters in this book and think this type of book would be interesting to read for adults and young adults. This book is science fiction but would appeal to fantasy fans as well.

This latest of Isaac Hooke's books departs from his military sci fi into more of a fantasy universe. Being of an older generation and having read many towering works of science fiction, I honestly found this one a bit disappointing, despite being an enthusiastic fan of many of Hooke's other works. Generally, I would say that if you're a gamer you will probably enjoy this book, but if you're looking for hard science fiction or even good space opera, some of his other books would probably suit better. Still, the author shows his prowess as a storyteller. Now, just mix in a bit more science and some more three-dimensional characters and this new series could take a turn that would more engage us old curmudgeons.

For the first 90% of this book the main character was basically worthless and obnoxious and generally unlikeable. You literally could have replaced him with a backpack that had something important in it and let one of the other infinity more interesting characters carry it as they escaped the aliens and the story would have basically been the same. At 90% Mark the main character finally became magically useful so yay. There was nothing wrong with the book from a literature stand point, punctuation and grammar were fine it was just the book was boring for the first 90%

Overall a nice work and worth the read. Great narrative, fantastic attention to detail, excellent editing, and a great universe. The story’s good, and although not completely predictable, surprises aren’t common. The LitRPG reasoning is really well done, and very non-invasive. In fact, the action is far more primary, such that the LitRPG side is almost unnecessary. (Almost.) However: The ending feels like some heavy deus ex machina is going on, and L&J (especially L) still felt pretty flat, even at the climax.

Those criticisms aside, it really *is* a nice read, and this author is one to watch. Good job.

For the first 90% of this book the main character was basically worthless and obnoxious and generally unlikeable. You literally could have replaced him with a backpack that had something important in it and let one of the other infinity more interesting characters carry it as they escaped the aliens and the story would have basically been the same. At 90% Mark the main character finally became magically useful so yay. There was nothing wrong with the book from a literature stand point, punctuation and grammar were fine it was just the book was boring for the first 90%

Overall a nice work and worth the read. Great narrative, fantastic attention to detail, excellent editing, and a great universe. The story’s good, and although not completely predictable, surprises aren’t common. The LitRPG reasoning is really well done, and very non-invasive. In fact, the action is far more primary, such that the LitRPG side is almost unnecessary. (Almost.) However: The ending feels like some heavy deus ex machina is going on, and L&J (especially L) still felt pretty flat, even at the climax.

Those criticisms aside, it really *is* a nice read, and this author is one to watch. Good job.

I enjoyed this book, not enough action though. The other thing I did not like is the main protagonist he seem to be wishy-washy when he has a chance to save his friend he seems to become wishy-washy and at times doesn’t want to proceed with rescue. The secondary or supporting cast is great even the captain of the ship they hire. I know a character has to grow into their abilities so I will be waiting for the next book. If you like RPG style adventures you will enjoy this book this was the first one I have read and I will give others a try, so give this one a try.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm not a roleplaying gaming geek, but still understood and enjoyed how the protagonist's skills and abilities were tracked much like they are in those types of games. Like other reviewers have mentioned, this is a mix of Sci-Fi and something similar to Magic being intertwined through the story that comes together very nicely. Mr. Hooke has done a great job of writing a book that I enjoyed and has left me wanting more. Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Read it, you will enjoy it.

First off, this book had great promise in the beginning. But it started to really fall flat. The plot and the writing was the only good aspect of this story! The characters however were just ugh. I personally couldn't 'bond' with the MC in the slightest. Though the author did a good job of not immediately making him stupid overpowered, and didn't give him the annoying "knight in shining armor" complex. One of the problems that I have is that he really didn't grow , when it came to skill progression, when I thought he obviously should have. For example when he went to the Umbra universe, and gunned down dozens of mobs, and didn't gain a single skill advance. And here's a question, how do people actually level up? At 80% of completion of the book, and Tane is STILL level two?! Really?! Especially when he's personally killed dozens of mobs and elite warriors! And a warning to future readers, there is a LOT of exposition in this book. So much so, that I started 'skimming' almost entire chapters just to get to the point. I can honestly say , that I have no interest in this as a series.

If you like a protagonist whose parents are alive. Who has his powers from a Microchip. Who is not sure who is friend or foe. Who has to learn how to fight on the fly. And yes there is a prediction of someone who is going to wield the dark and light essence, but to what end? Humanity or aliens. This story moves right along. Involved just the right amount of science that make the entire story totally believable. Cannot wait for book two.

I thoroughly enjoyed Issac Hooke's latest effort. Star Warrior was written with the gamer in mind and while I am not such a person I became engrossed in Tane and his companions as their adventures unfolded. Being hunted by both humans and dwellers for what reason he does not know Tane Goes on an adventure to find his destiny not even knowing it. Filled with action. I truly recommend this book to gamer and non gamer alike. Great job Issac Hooke.

Okay, just binged on this bad boy.....elements of early star wars.....mixed in with a flavor of Oblivion and related games. Yeppers, that's a fine read right there.....no doubt about it!

Now I ask you.....one book does not a great space opera make, does it? So, please, may we have some more to gorge upon?

Now I've got to spill some beans here....the idea of using nano to induce skills and experience. That's choice.

Thinly written characters, no real human feelings, relationships, or motivations, in a story that reads like a manual on gaming strategies and how to gain levels by buying attributes and weapons. Interesting use of gaming rules and goals, but not really effective novel-writing at this point.

A very entertaining read that helps you see a new twist in the way the future can unfold with "brain dumps." It seems creepily possible sooner rather than later with the way things advance here. The lead character is young and inexperienced and Hooke makes him realistic in facing his challenges that are many. The end of this book is not a terrible cliff hanger, but it has me ready to read what will come out next in this series.

This was decently written and entertaining... However I notice many elements pulled directly from Star Wars. The cover art, really?This is a bit shameless in my opinion. Also this book could have the lit rpg elements completely removed and the reader never notice. It was as if the rpg elements were an adaptation. I did mostly enjoy the book and I would read more of the authors work if they can steer clear of being a shameless copycat.

I found this space adventure spellbinding! I loved the characters, the unbelievable story line and the nonstop action. A whole new epic space adventure captured me from the very beginning. A hydroponic farmer boy develops into an intergalactic hero while being chased by aliens. This is definitely a winner with no end in sight to the wealth of adventures in this new galaxy. Captivating!!!!! Extraordinarily creative!

Start to Finish - I liked it. I liked the characters. I could imagine them clearly. The first page caught my attention and from there on out I was glued in. I thought this was a very exciting and nicely paced read. I did have to take breaks for other things but but when done I was back to reading about the adventures that were pretty much non-stop. I do hope this continues into a series that I will definitely read. Yes, I would recommend it!! Btw, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

A good read, well paced with the LitRPG not intrusive enough to make the book less appealing to a Scifi only reader.
The story line is reasonably predictable and the occasional Star wars flash back as you read may occur, but it is well written and a very enjoyable read that caused me to be reading into the early hours.
Recommended.

really fun read. great characters, excellent and unique world building. the 'magic system' was equally as impressive and very interesting. i emensely enjoyed the litrpg elements and the pacing was spot on. recommened to any who enjoy such things and even those who dont. the intergration of said rpg elements was seemless and believable, more like a progress benchmark for the MC than anything else. hopefully a sequel is forthcoming, id be much abliged Mr. Hooke and im sure i wouldnt be the only one. Excellent work, good game.

This is Star Wars/Wheel of Time pastiche with litRPG elements. Well done pastiche, but pastiche nonetheless. If you have read Robert Jordan's Eye of the World, then you know Star Warrior's plot--and a huge chunk of its world-building. Analogues to Aes Sedai, Warders, saidar/saidin, the Forsaken, and other Wheel of Time elements fill these pages, dressed up in Star Wars clothes and explained through RPG character sheets. A fun read, but shockingly unoriginal.

I started binge-reading fantasy and sci-fi books a couple weeks ago. Since I've been trying to read a LOT very quickly, I frequently skip over sections that bore me or seem unimportant.

I read Star Warriors word by word and it was worth it. I liked the main character and his growth throughout the book.

I also loved how the author was able to relate stat and skill levels to real life in a believable way. I have stayed away from litRpg books until now and makes me wonder what I've been missing.

I would have liked to see more character development in the supporting cast. Hopefully we can see more development and relationship building in the next book.

Ever eonder what the future of technology really is? Ever wonder how future capitalism would be structured once technology reaches the point where your own body is commoditized? Then this is the book for you. How do you sell someone theit own body in a way that makes sense to everyone? Easy, by turning their lives into a reality of early 21st century MMO/RPG mechanics and unending skill trees (you'll get it). Delve into a surprisingly well built universe where the economic infrastructure makes a lot more sense when you stop to think about human nature and our technological development.

I would love to see a book 2! Character development was good although a bit cliché at a few points but humorous when they became that way. Plot development was excellent as well as the climax although a little shorter than expected as well as being predictable. It still left open the Avenue of a book 2 so when can we expect it?

These books have a lot of hopeful promise.

They fall down on the executuon however. Its like reading a teenagers D&D journal. Stilted dialogue, random and unbelievable chains of events. Too many stats. A romance that has less believabulity than an 80s porno. The autjor needs an editir and to spend some time doing rewrites. These are all clearly first drafts meant to part you from your money. Find something else IMO.

I enjoyed reading this story. The author's imagination was quite good. The author was able to clearly describe mundane scenes and people. He took a story with a "normal" unlikely individual and through many twists and turns and challenges grow into a reluctant powerful hero. A little nano technology helped .

Fun take on a litrpg/space opera blend. The characters and the story starts out as all the tropes you expect from an RPG, but develop more deeply as the book goes on. Lots of hidden and not-so-hidden references to other scifi/fantasy kept me grinning as I read. Overall, highly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to book 2!

Everyone will compare this to star wars, but that's any sci-fi with fantasy elements.

The book was well written, with good characters. I enjoyed the GameLit elements, they really worked how the author used them. I especially liked his thoughts on rank 0 skills, hah!

I'll be watching for the next!

Issac Hooke is no stranger to authoring great books. He has done it again with this new series. Like all good stories, the plot is leaked out a chapter at a time with the last chapter a climax of character development, story development and good over evil. Yep all of that! A fun, enjoyable read.

...You might Like this book. Unfortunately, it reads like teen SF. The ratings for "skillz" prevalent in this book is a buzzkill. Dialog is a little lame at times. It was interesting enough to finish but left me with no desire to continue the series.

Great reading: I wish I oculd give it more stars:) Tane has a hidden talent and everyone is trying to capture him. Only Lyra has the power to help him and to try and help him to use his talent of sssence wisely.Cat and mouse game throughout space on a smuggler spaceship with various personalities aboard.

What an incredible ride of adventure this gave me as I read the last line in this book. Not a slow build up but a nice flow in the story line. A mixture of Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and the complexities that your side might not be the good guys or the fact that life as the MC had known is not as simple as he had first thought or imagined growing up. Cant wait for the next book.

Interesting mix of elements from various fantasy sources such as Wheel of Time, etc. Fast paced action that keeps the interest in the reasonable story arc. Lots of detailed descriptions. I wonder about the item concerning the 270 degree corridor turns though.

Different look on the theme of natural forces in the universe. Action aplenty (which I like), with lots of intrigue between good and bad forces with what a person knows and what's different to his usual world.

This book was so different from all the other books by Isaac Hooke I wasn’t sure if I would like it as much as all the other books that I enjoyed so much. New characters, new worlds, new abilities and so much more. I would recommend it to fans of Hooke and anyone who enjoys sci-fi.

A new concept done at the right pace. I definitely would enjoy and look forward to the sequel! It's difficult to get interesting originality while still leaving the reader anticipating further books. That happened here

This science fiction book carried some new twists and concepts that kept it popping in my cravings for new things that gives a story new life and continues to entertain ,,, TRULEY WANT TO READ - A 2ND VOLUME

Charles R.

Some minor pacing issues that resolve themselves shouldn't stop you from reading this book. Good combination of RPG, Star Wars, and hard scifi, I look forward to seeing additional books in this series from the writer!

When reading this book it was to much like reading a combination of star wars and stranger things. You have the Essence both dark and light (can we say The Force), Lyra would be Obi Wan.
The Umbra is the otherworld, a shadow of the real world (Stranger Things).
Then of course everything has stats (DnD) would have been a great book if i had not ever heard of Star wars or played DnD, as it is he did a good job combining all three.

What a great read. As usual, the character development is intriguing without being campy. And I have no idea what feeds Mr. Hook's imagination, but I sure am glad to follow along. Get the next one out, please!

I was heavily invested from the beginning. The mix of LitRPG and Sci-Fi definitely interested me. I found myself anxiously reading to find out what would happen to Tane and crew. That is always the sign of a good book.