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The Star Marque Trilogy #1
Star Marque Rising
The future is governed through a genetic hierarchy--superhumans at the top, humans and defects at the bottom. Welcome to an all-new military science fiction novel from critically-acclaimed author Shami Stovall.
Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human, has a cocksure attitude and the combat skills to back it up. With his unparalleled skills, he makes his living as a ruthless gunrunner on a shady space station near the edges of the quadrant. Stronger, faster, and wittier than most sad sacks, no one even comes close to Demarco's abilities--until he crosses paths with the captain of the notorious Star Marque, Endellion Voight.
Captain Voight arrests Demarco and offers him a choice: go to a prison planet for his crimes, or join her starship, the Star Marque, working as mercenaries for the superhumans. But she didn't pick him at random. She has a plan to become a planet governor; a title no human has held since the superhumans won the war. It doesn't matter the cost--assassinations, extortion, blackmail--she's determined to claw her way to the top.
All Captain Voight needs is Demarco's help to carry out her machinations, and she'll give him everything he's ever wanted in return.
A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man's War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein.
Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human, has a cocksure attitude and the combat skills to back it up. With his unparalleled skills, he makes his living as a ruthless gunrunner on a shady space station near the edges of the quadrant. Stronger, faster, and wittier than most sad sacks, no one even comes close to Demarco's abilities--until he crosses paths with the captain of the notorious Star Marque, Endellion Voight.
Captain Voight arrests Demarco and offers him a choice: go to a prison planet for his crimes, or join her starship, the Star Marque, working as mercenaries for the superhumans. But she didn't pick him at random. She has a plan to become a planet governor; a title no human has held since the superhumans won the war. It doesn't matter the cost--assassinations, extortion, blackmail--she's determined to claw her way to the top.
All Captain Voight needs is Demarco's help to carry out her machinations, and she'll give him everything he's ever wanted in return.
A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man's War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein.
436 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
About the author
Shami Stovall
33 books718 followersShami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: [email protected]
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 19, 2019
Star Marque Rising is one of those unexpected surprises. It is an action-Packed interstellar adventure that sizzles with action and excitement from page one right through to the end. In a world of Superhumans and Genetically Modified Humans, there are interstellar spoils to be had and treasures as big as planets if you have the ambition to attain them.
DeMarco is a brutal thug on the run on a giant space station inhabited by over a million people. But, he’s been genetically modified and he is tough and relentless enough to take on any gladiator and confident enough to become the universe’s best starfighter, well almost. And, you gotta say almost because there’s one whose better than him at almost everything and she’s got cyborg enhanced muscles and confidence greater than anything. Signed as as her number two, DeMarco is ready to take on the universe.
What makes this novel stand out from dozens of other space battle stories is how actionpacked it is, how relentless the pace is, and how much fun these characters turn out to be.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
DeMarco is a brutal thug on the run on a giant space station inhabited by over a million people. But, he’s been genetically modified and he is tough and relentless enough to take on any gladiator and confident enough to become the universe’s best starfighter, well almost. And, you gotta say almost because there’s one whose better than him at almost everything and she’s got cyborg enhanced muscles and confidence greater than anything. Signed as as her number two, DeMarco is ready to take on the universe.
What makes this novel stand out from dozens of other space battle stories is how actionpacked it is, how relentless the pace is, and how much fun these characters turn out to be.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
September 27, 2022
To describe an overall feel of
STAR MARQUE RISING
in just one sentence: Imagine if the movie TOP GUN took place in SPACE. That constant thrill of how unpredictable the character of Maverick was - the danger and dog fights? Yep, all present and accounted for except in this book our Maverick is named Clevon Demarco.
Clevon Demarco is a criminal who wants nothing more than to get off Capital Station and get planetside...any planet would do. In this futuristic society governed by superhumans, Clevon scrapes out a living using his genetic modifications to operate as a gunrunner for a shady crew of misfits. The day Clevon thinks he'll finally make his departure from the armpit space station is the day he finds himself in the path of Captain Endellion Voight of the starship Star Marque.
Captain Voight recruits Clevon and reveals her plan to become governor of a planet, a position that has been withheld from a human since the superhumans won the war. Clevon finds himself embroiled in deadly ambition and cutthroat politics and danger around every bend.
The camaraderie between the crew of the Star Marque was amazing - this was what first reminded me of the movie, TOP GUN, which had me dubbing Demarco as Maverick. Demarco has the same cocky attitude of being a superior pilot and making rash decisions, but the difference is we got to watch Demarco learn. I appreciate the attention to detail here, because Demarco had never been a starship pilot previously, or served in the military and the author never forgot that or glossed over it, instead his skills and lessons learned from mistakes continued to develop over the course of the story. I love when it's earned and not a one paragraph training montage and then WHAM! The character is suddenly cream of the crop.
The relationships formed and interactions between the characters were another element I really enjoyed - this combined with the fast pacing, the battle and action scenes had me unable to put this book down for long. I don't usually read on the weekends because I try to give all my attention to my family, but this book wouldn't let me...I had to know what was going to happen next!!
I loved the intrigue and the politics - I loved these so much that I am about to have a fit trying to figure out how to squeeze in the second book of this series into my TBR as quickly as possible. The way it's written, it's easy to get addicted to the adrenaline rush of all that was going on. I grew attached to the crew, I'm invested in their future and I need to see them do what I think they're about to do...ASAP!
In the spirit of full disclosure, I did accept a copy of this book from the author to read in exchange for an honest review. I have purchased a copy of the second book in this series with my own money.
Clevon Demarco is a criminal who wants nothing more than to get off Capital Station and get planetside...any planet would do. In this futuristic society governed by superhumans, Clevon scrapes out a living using his genetic modifications to operate as a gunrunner for a shady crew of misfits. The day Clevon thinks he'll finally make his departure from the armpit space station is the day he finds himself in the path of Captain Endellion Voight of the starship Star Marque.
Captain Voight recruits Clevon and reveals her plan to become governor of a planet, a position that has been withheld from a human since the superhumans won the war. Clevon finds himself embroiled in deadly ambition and cutthroat politics and danger around every bend.
The camaraderie between the crew of the Star Marque was amazing - this was what first reminded me of the movie, TOP GUN, which had me dubbing Demarco as Maverick. Demarco has the same cocky attitude of being a superior pilot and making rash decisions, but the difference is we got to watch Demarco learn. I appreciate the attention to detail here, because Demarco had never been a starship pilot previously, or served in the military and the author never forgot that or glossed over it, instead his skills and lessons learned from mistakes continued to develop over the course of the story. I love when it's earned and not a one paragraph training montage and then WHAM! The character is suddenly cream of the crop.
The relationships formed and interactions between the characters were another element I really enjoyed - this combined with the fast pacing, the battle and action scenes had me unable to put this book down for long. I don't usually read on the weekends because I try to give all my attention to my family, but this book wouldn't let me...I had to know what was going to happen next!!
I loved the intrigue and the politics - I loved these so much that I am about to have a fit trying to figure out how to squeeze in the second book of this series into my TBR as quickly as possible. The way it's written, it's easy to get addicted to the adrenaline rush of all that was going on. I grew attached to the crew, I'm invested in their future and I need to see them do what I think they're about to do...ASAP!
In the spirit of full disclosure, I did accept a copy of this book from the author to read in exchange for an honest review. I have purchased a copy of the second book in this series with my own money.
February 2, 2019
When the weather outside is horrible this slice of sci-fi fantasy is the perfect escape. Thrust into the life of Clevon Demarco as he is given an offer he cannot refuse, the reader can travel through space discovering vivid and exciting worlds that they couldn’t even imagine. Shami Stovall’s flair for creating highly detailed settings pulls the reader into the fictional world and lets them explore it all alongside the characters.
The protagonist has been so skillfully crafted that it’s impossible to not love him, even with his brash horndog nature. Demarco is the perfect protagonist, as one of the very limited number of genetically altered humans and a criminal he finds himself somewhat as an outcast when he joins the crew of the Star Marque. Stovall lets the reader follow him has he tries to find his true self and place in the new world that the ship and crew have opened up for him. Pure enjoyment will come to the reader as they watch Demarco grow and change how he reacts to the action within the story.
Stovall doesn’t stop there when it comes to her characters, with a myriad of characters from superhuman and the genetically altered to humans and those with defects all have beautifully crafted personalities which has the reader almost immediately connecting with each and every one of them. The author interweaves character and plot back stories with the main storyline to create a wonderfully creative multilayer novel that has the reader gripped from the very beginning. The reader gets to know every character in unparalleled detail and watch as they attempt to deal with increasingly more perilous situations and the novel goes on.
Star Marque Rising is bursting with detailed action scenes, everything from space battles to gunfights and hand to hand combat. Shami Stovall creates such vivid images in the reader’s mind through her carefully crafted writing that it is possible to feel every hit and even fear for the character’s lives. An interesting addition to Stovall’s story is the moral quandaries that the characters, specifically Clevon Demarco, go through within the story, sometimes having to choose between their loyalties, their duty and their morals.
Stovall must be very good at keeping secrets because she spoils nothing throughout the narrative. Even the twists in the tale are kept under lock and key making it a complete surprise to the reader. This shows true talent from the author to blend layered character development, action and back stories without giving away too much of the plot at once; this novel is a truthfully captivating read.
This story is full of drama, adventure and danger, to simply label it as a simple sci-fi novel does Stovall’s writing an injustice. Star Marque Rising is so much more than a traditional science fiction novel, and this is all due to Stovall’s skillful and creative writing. Even those who generally do not overly gravitate towards sci-fi fiction will be hooked and left on the edge of their seat begging for more. Those who wish for a gripping multi-layered action packed novel should look no further than Star Marque Rising.
The protagonist has been so skillfully crafted that it’s impossible to not love him, even with his brash horndog nature. Demarco is the perfect protagonist, as one of the very limited number of genetically altered humans and a criminal he finds himself somewhat as an outcast when he joins the crew of the Star Marque. Stovall lets the reader follow him has he tries to find his true self and place in the new world that the ship and crew have opened up for him. Pure enjoyment will come to the reader as they watch Demarco grow and change how he reacts to the action within the story.
Stovall doesn’t stop there when it comes to her characters, with a myriad of characters from superhuman and the genetically altered to humans and those with defects all have beautifully crafted personalities which has the reader almost immediately connecting with each and every one of them. The author interweaves character and plot back stories with the main storyline to create a wonderfully creative multilayer novel that has the reader gripped from the very beginning. The reader gets to know every character in unparalleled detail and watch as they attempt to deal with increasingly more perilous situations and the novel goes on.
Star Marque Rising is bursting with detailed action scenes, everything from space battles to gunfights and hand to hand combat. Shami Stovall creates such vivid images in the reader’s mind through her carefully crafted writing that it is possible to feel every hit and even fear for the character’s lives. An interesting addition to Stovall’s story is the moral quandaries that the characters, specifically Clevon Demarco, go through within the story, sometimes having to choose between their loyalties, their duty and their morals.
Stovall must be very good at keeping secrets because she spoils nothing throughout the narrative. Even the twists in the tale are kept under lock and key making it a complete surprise to the reader. This shows true talent from the author to blend layered character development, action and back stories without giving away too much of the plot at once; this novel is a truthfully captivating read.
This story is full of drama, adventure and danger, to simply label it as a simple sci-fi novel does Stovall’s writing an injustice. Star Marque Rising is so much more than a traditional science fiction novel, and this is all due to Stovall’s skillful and creative writing. Even those who generally do not overly gravitate towards sci-fi fiction will be hooked and left on the edge of their seat begging for more. Those who wish for a gripping multi-layered action packed novel should look no further than Star Marque Rising.
October 23, 2021
Indie author Stovall is quite prolific, but this is the first of her books I have read. The story centers on Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human, and is set somewhere in the not too distant future. Humanity has discovered the stars and promptly went about destroying ecosystems and going to war with each other. Finally, a genetically modified form of humanity emerged-- super humans-- who quickly became governors of planets and the human race in general. These new super humans are in effect a completely different race and cannot breed with regular humanity. Base stock humanity is beset by 'defects' in DNA, something to do with solar radiation or the like. In effect, we have super humans at the top of the food chain, regular humanity (defects and normal) being banished to space stations and the labor force of the super humans. Some 'base' humans are genetically modified, but primarily so they can do their 'choirs' for the super humans better.
Life is short and cruel on the space stations, and Demarco is basically a thug. The story starts with him engaged in a 'battle royale' of which he is the victor. Shortly thereafter, he gets 'recruited' by a band of 'enforcers'. Enforcers are loosely aligned with the space navy, but mainly serve as hired muscle on the space stations. His new boss, Endellion, has her heart set on being the first human governor of a planet for generations, and has numerous cybernetic enhancements to make her faster and so forth. Demarco, meanwhile, starts training as a fighter pilot on the Star Marque, Endellion's space cruiser...
I would loosely call this character driven fiction, and unfortunately, our main character Demarco is basically an asshole; you reaction to him will most likely determine whether or not you really enjoy this. Demarco is self-centered, supremely egotistical, and basically just wants to get laid. He hits on just about everyone (male, female, it is all good) in crude, blatant ways that get old very quick. Our other main character, Endellion, is also a self-centered, manipulative bitch for lack of better words. She has her goals and everyone else is simply a means to achieve them.
The world building is creative, but nothing too original and this is a 'soft' space opera to be sure. Demarco and Endellion get into all kinds of trouble pursuing her dream and SMR does not lack for action. This was fun, but probably not something I will read again, or pursue the sequels that the ending left lots of room for. 3 shady stars.
Life is short and cruel on the space stations, and Demarco is basically a thug. The story starts with him engaged in a 'battle royale' of which he is the victor. Shortly thereafter, he gets 'recruited' by a band of 'enforcers'. Enforcers are loosely aligned with the space navy, but mainly serve as hired muscle on the space stations. His new boss, Endellion, has her heart set on being the first human governor of a planet for generations, and has numerous cybernetic enhancements to make her faster and so forth. Demarco, meanwhile, starts training as a fighter pilot on the Star Marque, Endellion's space cruiser...
I would loosely call this character driven fiction, and unfortunately, our main character Demarco is basically an asshole; you reaction to him will most likely determine whether or not you really enjoy this. Demarco is self-centered, supremely egotistical, and basically just wants to get laid. He hits on just about everyone (male, female, it is all good) in crude, blatant ways that get old very quick. Our other main character, Endellion, is also a self-centered, manipulative bitch for lack of better words. She has her goals and everyone else is simply a means to achieve them.
The world building is creative, but nothing too original and this is a 'soft' space opera to be sure. Demarco and Endellion get into all kinds of trouble pursuing her dream and SMR does not lack for action. This was fun, but probably not something I will read again, or pursue the sequels that the ending left lots of room for. 3 shady stars.
January 22, 2019
I was sent an advanced copy by the author and I am so glad she thought of me. I loved this book. There's an ensemble cast with a ton of pretty intense character reveals across the story that give the characters depth and complexity. The protagonist is likeable, even when he's acting a bit like a horndog. The ending feels properly gigantic and sets up the rest of the series beautifully. The biggest things I'm dying to talk about are all spoilers, so I wont post them here. But it definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat. I'm hooked.
September 26, 2023
Star Marque Rising is a Science Fiction story to sink your teeth into. It is a long book that gives you time to be completely enthralled and entangled with the characters, always giving you an unexpected twist when you least expect it.
Demarco is a genetically modified human, looking for a way out of Capitol Station (which is not the best place to be for anyone!) Going into the ring is his ticket out of there, but things don't quite go his way. He ends up being taken by enforcers, and propositioned by their Captain, and not in the usual way. He ends up agreeing with her and is taken on as a Starfighter.
So much action, excellently paced, and a bunch of characters you will grow to know... or do you? I have to say Endellion was never my favourite character, and I really hope there is a second book (or maybe more), as I would love to read further into this and see where Demarco, Sawyer, and the others go from here.
A gripping tale guaranteed to keep your attention. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2019
Demarco is a genetically modified human, looking for a way out of Capitol Station (which is not the best place to be for anyone!) Going into the ring is his ticket out of there, but things don't quite go his way. He ends up being taken by enforcers, and propositioned by their Captain, and not in the usual way. He ends up agreeing with her and is taken on as a Starfighter.
So much action, excellently paced, and a bunch of characters you will grow to know... or do you? I have to say Endellion was never my favourite character, and I really hope there is a second book (or maybe more), as I would love to read further into this and see where Demarco, Sawyer, and the others go from here.
A gripping tale guaranteed to keep your attention. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2019
January 14, 2019
Star Marque Rising is great space opera. It has everything needed for a fascinating story full of danger and adventure. The world building is very well written and the back story is blended into the action and dialogue. The character development is layered. There are the superhumans, the genetically modified humans, the plain humans and the humans with defects. Each play a role in the story. All of this is seen through the eyes of Clevon Demarco, one genetically modified human. His story starts when he joins the crew of the Star Marque. I enjoyed following him as he adjusted to a new life and changed how he reacted to the action in the story. A hard to put down plot that had a somewhat open ended conclusion.
July 31, 2024
Re-read July 2024
This was all kinds of fantastic!
It is really fast paced and with a nice action-packed plot, and I found myself completely immerged in what turned out to be a very fascinating story. I just couldn't stop reading until the very end.
I'm really looking forward to read the follow up.
If you like Science-Fiction do yourself a favour and try this one out.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
This was all kinds of fantastic!
It is really fast paced and with a nice action-packed plot, and I found myself completely immerged in what turned out to be a very fascinating story. I just couldn't stop reading until the very end.
I'm really looking forward to read the follow up.
If you like Science-Fiction do yourself a favour and try this one out.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
February 15, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Star Marque Rising is a fantastic sci-fi novel that I would recommend for fans of the Mass Effect video game series or similar. Set in a hierarchical world where genetic superhumans rule everything, this is a well-executed story with unexpected twists and complex, well-developed characters. Clevon Demarco is a genetically modified human with a rap sheet and confidence to spare. He's also constantly interested in hooking up with people and could probably be classified as pansexual since he does not discriminate. He is taken on as a crewmember of the Star Marque spaceship by captain Endellion Voight. Endellion is a ruthlessly ambitious woman who refuses to let anything stand in the way of her goals. The book causes the reader to examine morality, societal devaluing of certain lives, the importance of choice, and corruption in political hierarchy. It's a blend of thrilling, thought-provoking, and funny.
From the get-go the author weaves together an action-packed plot and world-building in a way that doesn't feel too heavy-handed or info-dumpy. And the world is fascinating and clearly well-thought out! Everything is told through the perspective of Demarco and while it took me awhile to warm up to him, I ended up really loving him as a character. Another favorite was Sawyer, a brilliant, funny, introverted woman who does coding and engineering. Endellion is truly fascinating and her character gets pieced together through the book. By the end, you really wonder
While it was a little slow for me to get into, before long I was completely invested in seeing how things would play out. I think this is a very strong sci-fi debut that will appeal to a range of audiences. I did receive a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.
Note: In this world, the lowest on the hierarchy are "Defects" who have genetic defects (some visible, some not). In some cases this can be grotesque. However, I felt that the novel as a whole effectively demonstrated that the good and bad of humanity remains in superhumans and defects alike and that disability does not preclude someone from capability and success.
Content warnings: This will not be exhaustive, but this is a novel written for adults. There is sex and discussions of sex (mostly non-explicit), violence, gore, murder, violence toward a child, genocide, slavery, references to rape and torture (though these do not take place on the page).
Star Marque Rising is a fantastic sci-fi novel that I would recommend for fans of the Mass Effect video game series or similar. Set in a hierarchical world where genetic superhumans rule everything, this is a well-executed story with unexpected twists and complex, well-developed characters. Clevon Demarco is a genetically modified human with a rap sheet and confidence to spare. He's also constantly interested in hooking up with people and could probably be classified as pansexual since he does not discriminate. He is taken on as a crewmember of the Star Marque spaceship by captain Endellion Voight. Endellion is a ruthlessly ambitious woman who refuses to let anything stand in the way of her goals. The book causes the reader to examine morality, societal devaluing of certain lives, the importance of choice, and corruption in political hierarchy. It's a blend of thrilling, thought-provoking, and funny.
From the get-go the author weaves together an action-packed plot and world-building in a way that doesn't feel too heavy-handed or info-dumpy. And the world is fascinating and clearly well-thought out! Everything is told through the perspective of Demarco and while it took me awhile to warm up to him, I ended up really loving him as a character. Another favorite was Sawyer, a brilliant, funny, introverted woman who does coding and engineering. Endellion is truly fascinating and her character gets pieced together through the book. By the end, you really wonder
While it was a little slow for me to get into, before long I was completely invested in seeing how things would play out. I think this is a very strong sci-fi debut that will appeal to a range of audiences. I did receive a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.
Note: In this world, the lowest on the hierarchy are "Defects" who have genetic defects (some visible, some not). In some cases this can be grotesque. However, I felt that the novel as a whole effectively demonstrated that the good and bad of humanity remains in superhumans and defects alike and that disability does not preclude someone from capability and success.
Content warnings: This will not be exhaustive, but this is a novel written for adults. There is sex and discussions of sex (mostly non-explicit), violence, gore, murder, violence toward a child, genocide, slavery, references to rape and torture (though these do not take place on the page).
October 24, 2021
This is why I read Sci-fi!
They only complaint I have about this book is it’s lack of purple prose. Story, plot, power creep, character development: all stellar. Voight is a high functioning sociopath who is beyond brilliant and has stomped out every bit humanity in her quest to become perfect. At any cost is her motto and she means it; Any. Cost.
This book in a single word: flawless.
They only complaint I have about this book is it’s lack of purple prose. Story, plot, power creep, character development: all stellar. Voight is a high functioning sociopath who is beyond brilliant and has stomped out every bit humanity in her quest to become perfect. At any cost is her motto and she means it; Any. Cost.
This book in a single word: flawless.
November 16, 2020
I recieved a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a brilliant space opera which I could not put down.
A great variety of characters bring this story to life.
None stop action just left me wanting more and feeling sad when it had finished.
Give me more please.
This is a brilliant space opera which I could not put down.
A great variety of characters bring this story to life.
None stop action just left me wanting more and feeling sad when it had finished.
Give me more please.
March 30, 2019
Great writing and an all-consuming story. I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi novella, and would recommend it to anyone who loves the genre. It’s got an action packed plot, that will make you bite your nails in anticipation and laugh out loud, strong characters and lots of space battles.
May 14, 2019
Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human with his brilliant combat skills, is a small-time thug and has only one dream in his life: to leave Capital One, a shoddy space station where he has spent all his youth, and live a carefree life on any free planet. Captain Endellion Voight, captain of the notorious Star Marque is highly ambitious and has set her eyes on the position of a planet governor, a title no human has held since the superhumans won the war. She offers Demarco a position at her starship in exchange of a pardon for his past crimes. Demarco accepts the offer and join the crew at the star ship only to climb to rank of the ship’s vice captain in no time. Voight who’s determined to achieve her goal and is ready to pay any price, has no qualms indulging in various exploitations–extortion, assassinations, thefts. Demarco, a man with a flexible moral compass has no trouble bending the rules, but how much is too much and when exactly to stop?
The pace of the book is fast and the characterization thorough. Without elaborate wordplay, Stovall manages to communicate the humane side of her characters. The snappish relationships between Demarco and some crew members; Lysander and Sawyer on the Star Marque is wryly depicted. The various missions they attend during their time on the star ship make for a fascinating read (as an action adventure and an intellectually stimulating premise).
Since humans were the first ones to create superhumans and are now condemned to live as inferior beings forever, the continuous advancement of genetic engineering and practices raises moral questions: is it right to attempt therapeutic genetic modification in case of human genes where a defect exists? Would it be equally cruel to leave those individuals to their own means (Mara, for example)? Stovall explores these issues in an intriguing story supported by seamless writing.
The novelization is solid and to the point. Two-third into the book, and the reader could sense impending doom long before the characters do, but the real significance and consequences of the approaching events will come out as a shocker. A thrilling read!
The pace of the book is fast and the characterization thorough. Without elaborate wordplay, Stovall manages to communicate the humane side of her characters. The snappish relationships between Demarco and some crew members; Lysander and Sawyer on the Star Marque is wryly depicted. The various missions they attend during their time on the star ship make for a fascinating read (as an action adventure and an intellectually stimulating premise).
Since humans were the first ones to create superhumans and are now condemned to live as inferior beings forever, the continuous advancement of genetic engineering and practices raises moral questions: is it right to attempt therapeutic genetic modification in case of human genes where a defect exists? Would it be equally cruel to leave those individuals to their own means (Mara, for example)? Stovall explores these issues in an intriguing story supported by seamless writing.
The novelization is solid and to the point. Two-third into the book, and the reader could sense impending doom long before the characters do, but the real significance and consequences of the approaching events will come out as a shocker. A thrilling read!
March 6, 2019
OMG This is EXACTLY the kind of science fiction I love to read! I usually read romance, but it's nice to branch out into other genres once in a while to freshen my brain.
Clevon Demarco is a smart-ass genetically modified human who lives by his wits on the fringes of the criminal element on a space station. All he wants is to escape and be able to live on a real planet somewhere. ANYWHERE. So he tries to make a fast buck by cage fighting...in death matches. But his criminal partners aren't about to let him keep his prize money, and so he runs away...right into the arms of an enforcer squad, who promptly arrest his ass. On the enforcer ship, he's given a choice to either become one of them or go to prison.
And so the criminal becomes a cop. His commanding officer dreams of becoming the first human to govern a planet. Superhumans rule. Regular humans are ruled. And so Clevon finds himself working for someone who shamelessly uses her squad's victories for her own self promotion.
It's a dark gritty tale of a futuristic world where the strong bully the weak and honor and nobility have taken a backseat to practicality. Everyone's just trying to get by as best they can. This story is peopled with characters both good and bad - and there's a fine line between hero and villain. Personalities and attitudes abound, and it's a stellar fun read where you ride an emotional roller coaster and want to cheer for and throttle your favorite character even while you can't wait to see what they do next to get out of the scrape they're in.
It's a mix of Blade Runner meets Firefly. The hero is a full-blown snarky bad-boy who seems to always do the right thing in spite of his better sense, by means fair (seldom) or foul (usually). This book will totally suck you in, so if you start, don't plan on getting anything else done.
Clevon Demarco is a smart-ass genetically modified human who lives by his wits on the fringes of the criminal element on a space station. All he wants is to escape and be able to live on a real planet somewhere. ANYWHERE. So he tries to make a fast buck by cage fighting...in death matches. But his criminal partners aren't about to let him keep his prize money, and so he runs away...right into the arms of an enforcer squad, who promptly arrest his ass. On the enforcer ship, he's given a choice to either become one of them or go to prison.
And so the criminal becomes a cop. His commanding officer dreams of becoming the first human to govern a planet. Superhumans rule. Regular humans are ruled. And so Clevon finds himself working for someone who shamelessly uses her squad's victories for her own self promotion.
It's a dark gritty tale of a futuristic world where the strong bully the weak and honor and nobility have taken a backseat to practicality. Everyone's just trying to get by as best they can. This story is peopled with characters both good and bad - and there's a fine line between hero and villain. Personalities and attitudes abound, and it's a stellar fun read where you ride an emotional roller coaster and want to cheer for and throttle your favorite character even while you can't wait to see what they do next to get out of the scrape they're in.
It's a mix of Blade Runner meets Firefly. The hero is a full-blown snarky bad-boy who seems to always do the right thing in spite of his better sense, by means fair (seldom) or foul (usually). This book will totally suck you in, so if you start, don't plan on getting anything else done.
February 26, 2019
He'd Do Anything For Endellion💃💋Just A Taste🍎
Adult Alpha Male Space Opera
I loved the story and the absolutely awesome 🌎world building by the author in this book! The only thing missing were true adult physical relationships by my hero, starfighter Clevon Demarco🐺🍆🌋🔪 🔫!
In these kinds of 📚books called space operas, adult relationships are always the ignored elephant in the room. Men and women don't exist in a sexual vacuum! In this book, the sexy, virile Demarco🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 is full of innuendo and some fantasy thoughts, but he rarely acts on them. Unlikely in real life.
His physical relationship with Endellion💃, the woman cyborg ship captain, is vaguely described, mostly in innuendos. All the reader gets is an outline, or a taste, when we really want a full, satisfying meal! It's just a tease!
Other than that, I loved this book from cover to cover! It ends with A promise of more adventures to come.....
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems
I also got the book For $.99 from Amazon
Adult Alpha Male Space Opera
I loved the story and the absolutely awesome 🌎world building by the author in this book! The only thing missing were true adult physical relationships by my hero, starfighter Clevon Demarco🐺🍆🌋🔪 🔫!
In these kinds of 📚books called space operas, adult relationships are always the ignored elephant in the room. Men and women don't exist in a sexual vacuum! In this book, the sexy, virile Demarco🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 is full of innuendo and some fantasy thoughts, but he rarely acts on them. Unlikely in real life.
His physical relationship with Endellion💃, the woman cyborg ship captain, is vaguely described, mostly in innuendos. All the reader gets is an outline, or a taste, when we really want a full, satisfying meal! It's just a tease!
Other than that, I loved this book from cover to cover! It ends with A promise of more adventures to come.....
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems
I also got the book For $.99 from Amazon
February 18, 2019
I seriously Love the writings of Shami Stovall, and this book takes it to a level not seen before. It is a "space opera" style story, with a fascinating world(s), incredibly real and diverse characters, and incredible moments of heart-wrench and triumph throughout the book. For the last thirty pages, I was reading because I had no idea what would happen and had to know, and the finale was amazing.
The main character is Clevon DeMarco, and he starts as a self-interested thug on a space station, bone squandering the gifts given him by his mother (who had him genetically engineered to make him at the peak or beyond the peak of human normal). His only ambition is to leave the criminal life he is in and live "planetside", a life of luxury.
He is quickly picked up by the titular ship "Star Marque", a group of security for hire and psuedo-mercenaries. There, he meets Endellion, a human modified by cybernetics that tries to help him find his ambition and help her in her ambition (to rule a planet, the first human to do so since the "Homo Superior"; modified humans, took over).
This story, in addition to being excellent space opera, deals with questions of ambition, good and evil, honor, and heavily deals with questions raised on issues of genetic engineering and issues of "class". It is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to everyone into science fiction.
The main character is Clevon DeMarco, and he starts as a self-interested thug on a space station, bone squandering the gifts given him by his mother (who had him genetically engineered to make him at the peak or beyond the peak of human normal). His only ambition is to leave the criminal life he is in and live "planetside", a life of luxury.
He is quickly picked up by the titular ship "Star Marque", a group of security for hire and psuedo-mercenaries. There, he meets Endellion, a human modified by cybernetics that tries to help him find his ambition and help her in her ambition (to rule a planet, the first human to do so since the "Homo Superior"; modified humans, took over).
This story, in addition to being excellent space opera, deals with questions of ambition, good and evil, honor, and heavily deals with questions raised on issues of genetic engineering and issues of "class". It is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to everyone into science fiction.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
May 31, 20202020 grade Z.
The blurb says, "A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein."
It is a fast paced space opera indeed. The story is easy to read first person POV but is pretty much all action with not much intelligence showing and rather gory and gross. It starts with the future equivalent of a multi-combatant cage fight to the death but without the cage. A bad start in my opinion.
More importantly, it has NO connection to any Heinlein I have ever read, which is almost everything.
“I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
I almost abandoned it at about 7% but decided to give it another try. I made it to 12% and just could not take it anymore. It was almost fun enough to continue reading despite the faults, but I did not like the protagonist, the other shallow characters, or the dystopian world building.
Do I recommend it, for the right reader, yes - for me, no.
The blurb says, "A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein."
It is a fast paced space opera indeed. The story is easy to read first person POV but is pretty much all action with not much intelligence showing and rather gory and gross. It starts with the future equivalent of a multi-combatant cage fight to the death but without the cage. A bad start in my opinion.
More importantly, it has NO connection to any Heinlein I have ever read, which is almost everything.
“I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
I almost abandoned it at about 7% but decided to give it another try. I made it to 12% and just could not take it anymore. It was almost fun enough to continue reading despite the faults, but I did not like the protagonist, the other shallow characters, or the dystopian world building.
Do I recommend it, for the right reader, yes - for me, no.
February 26, 2019
Great take on humanity after it has expanded into the stars. All of the human worlds are governed by superhumans that rule without question. Endellion Voight commands the Star Marque and has the skills and ambition to be on par with the superhumans. She enlists Clevon Demarco into her crew to help her achieve her goals at any means necessary. The story follows Demarco as he leaves the dregs of life to becoming respected for the deeds he accomplishes.
The story has lots of action that hooked me from the beginning and continued until the end. The crew of the Star Marque is made up of unique well developed characters. The fight scenes were well done, believable both as combat on the ground and through space fighters in space. The whole story is well written and it kept me guessing until the end.
The story has lots of action that hooked me from the beginning and continued until the end. The crew of the Star Marque is made up of unique well developed characters. The fight scenes were well done, believable both as combat on the ground and through space fighters in space. The whole story is well written and it kept me guessing until the end.
January 14, 2023
Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book to review for the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).
Star Marque Rising is a fast paced space opera that takes place in a future where a genetic hierarchy determines your place in society. At the top are superhumans (super sapiens), followed by regular homo sapiens, and then down the line to those with genetic defects.
Our hero is Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human who has been living a life of criminality on the lower decks of an antiquated space station. Life changes when he is forcefully recruited to join the crew of the Star Marque, lead by a class climbing Captain Endellion Voight. This book is full of interesting characters, a lot of moral conflicts, some sex, and a lot of adventure.
A lot happens in this book and the bulk of the narrative is told by Demarco but the plot centers around Captain Voight. I must point out the space opera is not my favorite genre. With everything that happens in this book revolving around the Captain’s plotting and planning, I felt myself losing interest despite the subplots. Overall there are some interesting twists and turns and fans of this genre will like the action.
Star Marque Rising is a fast paced space opera that takes place in a future where a genetic hierarchy determines your place in society. At the top are superhumans (super sapiens), followed by regular homo sapiens, and then down the line to those with genetic defects.
Our hero is Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human who has been living a life of criminality on the lower decks of an antiquated space station. Life changes when he is forcefully recruited to join the crew of the Star Marque, lead by a class climbing Captain Endellion Voight. This book is full of interesting characters, a lot of moral conflicts, some sex, and a lot of adventure.
A lot happens in this book and the bulk of the narrative is told by Demarco but the plot centers around Captain Voight. I must point out the space opera is not my favorite genre. With everything that happens in this book revolving around the Captain’s plotting and planning, I felt myself losing interest despite the subplots. Overall there are some interesting twists and turns and fans of this genre will like the action.
February 19, 2019
This story kept me turning pages from start to finish. De Marco is so very flawed and so very likeable. I couldn't decide whether I should be cheering him on or shouting at him to make better decisions. The rest of the cast is just as intriguing, each with their own back story and agenda that interferes with DeMarco's path. The world-building is fantastic too - complex politics meet the questionable ethics of genetic engineering, causing rebellion and crime - all while asking the question "Does the end really justify the means?". If you like SciFi and a story-line that keeps you guessing, this one's for you.
March 18, 2019
Shami Stovall‘s Star Marque Rising is a perfectly written complex space opera full of thrills and action, intrigue and maneuvering. I don’t know who I prefer, Clevon Demarco or Endellion Voight but they arnd the rest of the cast are superb. Add in fantastic universe-building with its genetic hierarchy and the result is perfect military space opera sci-fi. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
May 22, 2019
Opportunity
Ever get lost in the digital jungles available on types of books! I prefer sci-fi and adventure along wid a few other valleys in the Vast foothills of offerings in styles. I veer towards a flavor in the digital restaurants I frequent. Tasty! Sumtimes Itzz the circus mirrored extravaganza of space combat many opine on. Dis opening salvo delivers well. The Whyz and Wherefores therein gives elements to fill in the character development of the crew which engages my attention wholeheartedly. Supping at Shami Stovall’s diner will leave you content. The maître d’ will escort you to a buffet of delightful fare to read.
Bon Appétit grasshoppers!
Ever get lost in the digital jungles available on types of books! I prefer sci-fi and adventure along wid a few other valleys in the Vast foothills of offerings in styles. I veer towards a flavor in the digital restaurants I frequent. Tasty! Sumtimes Itzz the circus mirrored extravaganza of space combat many opine on. Dis opening salvo delivers well. The Whyz and Wherefores therein gives elements to fill in the character development of the crew which engages my attention wholeheartedly. Supping at Shami Stovall’s diner will leave you content. The maître d’ will escort you to a buffet of delightful fare to read.
Bon Appétit grasshoppers!
June 11, 2019
This was a book I picked up at my local Pride celebration and honestly I didnt have very high expectations (I just love to support local queer authors). But wow! This book really blew me out of the water. I fell in love with all the characters (especially sawyer) and the plot kept me on my toes. It started a little slow but once i was hooked I finished it all in a day.
The world building is quality. Your classic space opera but with something a little new added in. I cant wait for the next book in the series!
The world building is quality. Your classic space opera but with something a little new added in. I cant wait for the next book in the series!
March 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait for more from this author, not just because she grew up somewhere close to where I grew up (lol - I think I was there 40 years before she was there since I am old). Anyway, her story alone is enough. Action-packed and with awesome characters, I will follow what else this author has to write about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2019
4.5 stars. This was a good book. The plot was deep and enjoyably twisty. The story was fast moving and the characters were well developed.
April 27, 2020
This is a very good book, and perfect for long periods alone. It is an awesome book, and is even better when you read it in one sitting
July 25, 2022
las batallas espaciales son muy poco realistas, el personaje principal es el mejor en todo rapidamente... no era para mi el libro.
April 4, 2019
4.5 stars. Star Marque Rising is a fantastic space opera with plenty of high-intensity action, high stakes, and great pacing.
The story is from the POV of Clevon Demarco, a genetically-modified human with a questionable history who has lived his whole life in the underbelly of Capital Station and is just trying to get out by whatever means necessary. Enter Endellion Voight, cyborg captain of the Star Marque and an opportunity for Demarco to finally escape Capital Station and explore — on the condition that he joins her crew as an Enforcer starfighter.
Stovall paints a vivid world with a diverse cast of characters. Each character has a unique backstory, and as the adventure progresses, we see a lot of change and growth from all of them. The plot didn’t ever feel stale and was perfectly paced with the right balance of intense action and slow moments. The ending provides a satisfying finality to this arc but leaves a lot of room for a sequel. I’m really looking forward to whatever comes next!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also bought my own copy of the book as well.
The story is from the POV of Clevon Demarco, a genetically-modified human with a questionable history who has lived his whole life in the underbelly of Capital Station and is just trying to get out by whatever means necessary. Enter Endellion Voight, cyborg captain of the Star Marque and an opportunity for Demarco to finally escape Capital Station and explore — on the condition that he joins her crew as an Enforcer starfighter.
Stovall paints a vivid world with a diverse cast of characters. Each character has a unique backstory, and as the adventure progresses, we see a lot of change and growth from all of them. The plot didn’t ever feel stale and was perfectly paced with the right balance of intense action and slow moments. The ending provides a satisfying finality to this arc but leaves a lot of room for a sequel. I’m really looking forward to whatever comes next!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also bought my own copy of the book as well.
May 25, 2019
Good plot twist.
It's a good book with plenty of action. You think you know what's going to happen in the end, but it doesn't happened, because the dude cares too much. Should have let them go.
It's a good book with plenty of action. You think you know what's going to happen in the end, but it doesn't happened, because the dude cares too much. Should have let them go.
November 10, 2019
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
Fast pacing and action abound in this book. It definitely earns the classification of “space opera.” Often when I read books full of so many action sequences, I feel overwhelmed in fight details. Stovall did an excellent job of keeping the battles compact and understandable while still imbuing them with the sense of urgency needed to make those scenes work.
Demarco, our POV character, has a dry wit and harsh sense of humor. He’s not the kind of guy one messes around with. He’s been genetically modified, which is neat, but I never really understood exactly what had been done to him. He is faster and has more keen senses than the average human at least. Despite this, he takes his fair share of beatings, which was refreshing from a character who’s Mr. Tough Guy.
Stovall’s characters are a well-rounded cast. Endellion, the ruthless captain, had me waffling about whether or not to like her all the way until the end. She’s tough as nails and determined, which are really her best and worst qualities. My favorite character was Sawyer, the ship’s all-purpose programmer/mechanic/intelligence girl. She’s sweet and innocent, and her closest living relative is the most adorable flying fish who farts helium (complete with toot noise) I’ve ever seen. I cheered for her the entire book.
The pacing moved along at a good clip. The timeline, though, tripped me up a bit. At the end of the book, two or so years have passed, and I was a little surprised when I realized this. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, but if I had to guess, I’d say that Demarco’s relationships with most of the characters didn’t feel like they’d been growing for that long. This does kind of fit with his character, but I still found the result jarring.
The ending brought all the plot points together in a satisfying way and left room for a sequel. I will say that this is a mature readers-only book. There were some adult scenes, and there’s a lot of cursing. If you’re okay with this, though, this is a crazy adventure with high stakes and so much going on. Definitely worth a read.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
Fast pacing and action abound in this book. It definitely earns the classification of “space opera.” Often when I read books full of so many action sequences, I feel overwhelmed in fight details. Stovall did an excellent job of keeping the battles compact and understandable while still imbuing them with the sense of urgency needed to make those scenes work.
Demarco, our POV character, has a dry wit and harsh sense of humor. He’s not the kind of guy one messes around with. He’s been genetically modified, which is neat, but I never really understood exactly what had been done to him. He is faster and has more keen senses than the average human at least. Despite this, he takes his fair share of beatings, which was refreshing from a character who’s Mr. Tough Guy.
Stovall’s characters are a well-rounded cast. Endellion, the ruthless captain, had me waffling about whether or not to like her all the way until the end. She’s tough as nails and determined, which are really her best and worst qualities. My favorite character was Sawyer, the ship’s all-purpose programmer/mechanic/intelligence girl. She’s sweet and innocent, and her closest living relative is the most adorable flying fish who farts helium (complete with toot noise) I’ve ever seen. I cheered for her the entire book.
The pacing moved along at a good clip. The timeline, though, tripped me up a bit. At the end of the book, two or so years have passed, and I was a little surprised when I realized this. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, but if I had to guess, I’d say that Demarco’s relationships with most of the characters didn’t feel like they’d been growing for that long. This does kind of fit with his character, but I still found the result jarring.
The ending brought all the plot points together in a satisfying way and left room for a sequel. I will say that this is a mature readers-only book. There were some adult scenes, and there’s a lot of cursing. If you’re okay with this, though, this is a crazy adventure with high stakes and so much going on. Definitely worth a read.
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