The SSMC Voyeur
(Platoon F #3)
by John P. Logsdon (2014)

A space probe that was sent out 500 years ago has returned…sort of. It’s actually a copy of the original model of The SSMC Voyeur, which begs the question: What happened to the original craft?

The crew of The SSMC Reluctant is dispatched to learn about the originating planet that sent this cloned vehicle.

This one works better as a satire on the techno-babble in popular science fiction. Nothing really makes sense, the science is just there to move the plot along.

Angry Robots
(Platoon F #2)
by John P. Logsdon (2014)

A group of antiquated robots have decided that they’ve had enough of being treated like second-class citizens. Working together, they take over the sewage plant on Segnal Prime and start a revolution.

The second is a bit more consistent in the writing. It’s starting to look like the author is not as good as Simon Haynes or David Blake. A bit less witty banter, but relying on the situations to deliver the comedy.

The SSMC Reluctant
(Platoon F #1)
by John P. Logsdon (2014)

Lieutenant Orion Murphy is scheduled for execution due to a clerical error. His only out is to undergo a complete physical makeover, get a rank and name change, and agree to take over a new platoon in the Segnal Space Marine Corps (SSMC).

Seeing that it’s a case of comply or die, he accepts the offer.

A new author to me in the comedic Sci-Fi genre. The first sets up the series (of 10). It’s got dumb military command, robots, silly situations and technology.

Things are starting well, the prose is simple, direct and contains some witty banter between characters. The comedy does fall off at the end to deliver the ‘action packed’ ending. The author has  written a lot of books, in multiple genres so plenty to try.

Candy
by Lawrence Block (1963)

Candy, the sexpot–Candy, the voluptuous–Candy, with a cashbox for a heart.

Despite the cover, this is an early Lawrence Block book.

Written in first person, this tells the story of the descent of a man who becomes enthralled in a young woman. The book shows it’s age as women are treated merely as sex objects for men. Not much for the Me Too Movement here.

But it is well written and despite the sometimes despicable behavior has a light tone. The plot keeps changing so you never know what will happen next.

Corridor of the Suns
by Edmond Hamilton (1958)

In this novella of 21.4K works, Hamilton constructs a future of space exploration, adventurers, a young maiden and alien species. Then throws in an evil raider of worlds and story of capture, escape and destruction. Now that’s how you do pulp fiction!

Lord Foul’s Bane
(The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever #1)
by Stephen R. Donaldson (1977)

Originally purchased in the 1970’s, the paperback sat on my shelf for years, eventually being joined by…

The Illearth War (1978)
The Power that Preserves (1979)
The Wounded Land (1980)
The One Tree (1982)
White Gold Wielder (1983)

There was a final quartet:
The Runes of the Earth (2004)
Fatal Revenant (2007)
Against All Things Ending (2010)
The Last Dark (2013)

That were not purchased.

The books are about  Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever  in a strange alternate world. He was a leper, but in the new world he is  regarded as a reincarnation of a great hero.

Generally well-written and clear. However very slowly paced. I managed to get through about 40% of the first book.

Then there was a massive info-dump back story and it became clear that this author was not going to follow the axiom ‘show, don’t tell’.

After a massive groan I put the book down and have not returned.