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Star Breaker #1
Breaker Marine
As a Breaker, she was destined to live a hard life serving the whims of galactic corporations. As an Earth Alliance Marine, she has a chance to change the balance of power in the galaxy.
A military sci-fi adventure from Amazon All-Star author James David Victor
Holly Cropper grew up as a Breaker, mining the outer reaches of space. Now, she’s an up-and-coming lieutenant in the Earth Alliance Marines. Her mission: keep the peace and help humanity survive in the endless darkness of space. When a distress call comes in from a large mining vessel, her orderly world gets turned upside down. What starts with a simple pirate takeover turns into a hostile alien invasion. This Breaker Marine and her small team might be the only thing standing between humanity and annihilation at the hands of ancient aliens.
Breaker Marine is the first book in the Star Breaker series. If you like fast-paced space adventures with interesting characters who battle aliens, evil corporations, and space pirates, Holly Cropper and her team of Marines are ready to share their epic adventure with you.
A military sci-fi adventure from Amazon All-Star author James David Victor
Holly Cropper grew up as a Breaker, mining the outer reaches of space. Now, she’s an up-and-coming lieutenant in the Earth Alliance Marines. Her mission: keep the peace and help humanity survive in the endless darkness of space. When a distress call comes in from a large mining vessel, her orderly world gets turned upside down. What starts with a simple pirate takeover turns into a hostile alien invasion. This Breaker Marine and her small team might be the only thing standing between humanity and annihilation at the hands of ancient aliens.
Breaker Marine is the first book in the Star Breaker series. If you like fast-paced space adventures with interesting characters who battle aliens, evil corporations, and space pirates, Holly Cropper and her team of Marines are ready to share their epic adventure with you.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2021
About the author
James David Victor
193 books90 followersJames David Victor is the pen name used by science fiction and fantasy author David J. VanBergen Jr. for co-authored projects. It is his way of sharing more stories with you than he could write by himself.
If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
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If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
fairfieldpublishing.com/sci-fi-newsle...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 3, 2021
... "a whole heap of things could go wrong."
The Tethra mining/breaker ship was on a routine job in an asteroid belt when something out of the ordinary appeared on their screens. A few days if radio silence later It. Cropper and her patrol ship carrying herself and two fellow Marines are sent in search of answers.
Part of what I enjoyed in the done in one Kindle Unlimited story was the unexpected turns, the moments when I found myself questioning if I could trust specific characters, wondering who knew what when... and of course so many questions waiting to be answered about what they saw on the asteroid... and what they really found.
The Tethra mining/breaker ship was on a routine job in an asteroid belt when something out of the ordinary appeared on their screens. A few days if radio silence later It. Cropper and her patrol ship carrying herself and two fellow Marines are sent in search of answers.
Part of what I enjoyed in the done in one Kindle Unlimited story was the unexpected turns, the moments when I found myself questioning if I could trust specific characters, wondering who knew what when... and of course so many questions waiting to be answered about what they saw on the asteroid... and what they really found.
September 22, 2023
A good, quick read start to this long series.
July 22, 2021
Quick action story requiring little mental commitment
The characters are roughly sketched in, the setting is described in a bit more detail, and the action keeps the pages turning. The story is good for a quick adventure or light reading, but there is not much depth. The science works because it is unoriginal— readers will draw from other fictional movies or novels to fill in the gaps as to how or why the alien tech works. There is a lot of shooting, some fancy space maneuvering, some blood, some mild swearing, and some plot head-scratching moments.
There are a few typos, grammar and word usage errors, passive verb constructions, and some repetitive word choices, but they are minimally distracting. The issues with this book reflect a need for the writers to develop their craft further with continued practice—learning advanced editing, adding more depth (background and emotional stakes) to characters, and more suspense with the plot objective. As the book is now, it’s a bit better than playing a military sci-fi video game. I give it 3.75 stars.
The characters are roughly sketched in, the setting is described in a bit more detail, and the action keeps the pages turning. The story is good for a quick adventure or light reading, but there is not much depth. The science works because it is unoriginal— readers will draw from other fictional movies or novels to fill in the gaps as to how or why the alien tech works. There is a lot of shooting, some fancy space maneuvering, some blood, some mild swearing, and some plot head-scratching moments.
There are a few typos, grammar and word usage errors, passive verb constructions, and some repetitive word choices, but they are minimally distracting. The issues with this book reflect a need for the writers to develop their craft further with continued practice—learning advanced editing, adding more depth (background and emotional stakes) to characters, and more suspense with the plot objective. As the book is now, it’s a bit better than playing a military sci-fi video game. I give it 3.75 stars.
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August 20, 2021This was a fun read, which is what I look for in escapist literature. Well-written, good job of proofreading. My quibbles are things that may not bother some readers. But I mention them for the consideration of the author.
I could stretch my belief to allow for a 3-person spacecraft, but that is a painful stretch. Real people have to sleep, eat, etc. So a 3-person crew is quite a stretch.
Then we have a Private in charge of the reactor/propulsion/communications? Just no. It requires way too much training and education for the rank.
Last I would mention the variable gravity in the fight on the asteroid. It is not consistent. And not the way gravity works.
Still, it remained a fun read in spite of my quibbles. I look forward to reading the next book, mostly because I liked the characters. Hopefully the quibbles will iron themselves out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I could stretch my belief to allow for a 3-person spacecraft, but that is a painful stretch. Real people have to sleep, eat, etc. So a 3-person crew is quite a stretch.
Then we have a Private in charge of the reactor/propulsion/communications? Just no. It requires way too much training and education for the rank.
Last I would mention the variable gravity in the fight on the asteroid. It is not consistent. And not the way gravity works.
Still, it remained a fun read in spite of my quibbles. I look forward to reading the next book, mostly because I liked the characters. Hopefully the quibbles will iron themselves out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2021
OK book, not too impressed with the main female protagonist.
The storyline was well done and the book was fast paced. If you like books that have to do with outer space Marines you might like this one. Me not so much, wasn’t too impressed with the main female protagonist. In my opinion she seemed a little bit slow and hesitant and making decisions, maybe her character will grow as a series progresses. The book is OK will give the second book in the series a try.
The storyline was well done and the book was fast paced. If you like books that have to do with outer space Marines you might like this one. Me not so much, wasn’t too impressed with the main female protagonist. In my opinion she seemed a little bit slow and hesitant and making decisions, maybe her character will grow as a series progresses. The book is OK will give the second book in the series a try.
July 25, 2021
Traditional, circa 1970s, science fiction. Reminds me of a lot of sci-fi pulp stories back then.
In this case, the characters were not really all that detailed. The environment was described clearly and with some depth. The plot worked but seemed a bit flat.
The emotions weren't all that deep and the action was been there done that.
Not bad for a relaxing read, but nothing to get all fired up about.
In this case, the characters were not really all that detailed. The environment was described clearly and with some depth. The plot worked but seemed a bit flat.
The emotions weren't all that deep and the action was been there done that.
Not bad for a relaxing read, but nothing to get all fired up about.
June 3, 2023
Too disjointed
The primary story focuses on 3 marines in a skiff. The issue for me was the story focusing on them for numerous chapters, only to then jump to a random storyline for 1 chapter and then back to the 3 marines
To put it bluntly, it's all over the place and breaks the thread of the main story
I won't be reading more, which is a shame, as other series by this author have been excellent
The primary story focuses on 3 marines in a skiff. The issue for me was the story focusing on them for numerous chapters, only to then jump to a random storyline for 1 chapter and then back to the 3 marines
To put it bluntly, it's all over the place and breaks the thread of the main story
I won't be reading more, which is a shame, as other series by this author have been excellent
January 5, 2023
Not bad
A military sci-fi epic adventure with lots of action from finding a hidden alien base protected by killer robots found by a rogue corporation who use pirates to force the actual miners to dismantle it, but it powers up and sends a signal that brings a starship to human space where it destroys everything sent against it. It's left to our three heroes to find a way to stop it and save the universe, not a problem, much!! Good story and relatable characters be interesting to see what happens next, Baz
A military sci-fi epic adventure with lots of action from finding a hidden alien base protected by killer robots found by a rogue corporation who use pirates to force the actual miners to dismantle it, but it powers up and sends a signal that brings a starship to human space where it destroys everything sent against it. It's left to our three heroes to find a way to stop it and save the universe, not a problem, much!! Good story and relatable characters be interesting to see what happens next, Baz
August 22, 2021
I did enjoy the premise for the story, and the characters started off well, but it tended to gloss over areas where real depth and background could have made them stand out and provide multiple arcs for exploring in sequels. The wrap up to the storyline then ended too quickly, and was also very reminiscent of the Independence Day movies!
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.
January 15, 2023
Unusual
I've read several of this authors book and was completely surprised at how many misspelled words and typo I seen while reading. I'm not the type that really pays attention to these but I caught them they must be pretty out there.
As I said I've read several of this authors book and hadn't noticed before.
I'm preparing to read the second book in the series and hope there's not any I will notice.
I will say I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the complete series.
I've read several of this authors book and was completely surprised at how many misspelled words and typo I seen while reading. I'm not the type that really pays attention to these but I caught them they must be pretty out there.
As I said I've read several of this authors book and hadn't noticed before.
I'm preparing to read the second book in the series and hope there's not any I will notice.
I will say I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the complete series.
September 22, 2023
This is the first book I have been able to read completely since breaking my femur in March 2023. I have at least 5 other books I attempted to read, but was unable to complete. One was a 5-star Hugo and Nebula winner. This is a good no thinking interesting military and alien invasion book that is interesting, and didn't require me to make notes to follow the characters and plot. This is on my list to read again when I need a book and am bored and can't find another one I am interested in.
September 24, 2023
military support asteroid miners
Not bad at first but ended up too much like a first person shooter game for my taste. I prefer dialogue or exploration or strategy to direct violent confrontation with antagonists. I felt like I'd read 1/3rd of a book rather than the first installment of a series and Im not sure if I want to invest any time or cash in finding out what happens next.
Not bad at first but ended up too much like a first person shooter game for my taste. I prefer dialogue or exploration or strategy to direct violent confrontation with antagonists. I felt like I'd read 1/3rd of a book rather than the first installment of a series and Im not sure if I want to invest any time or cash in finding out what happens next.
August 8, 2021
Action packed
I was looking for something different with a female main character. Glad I bought this as it was lots of fun to read. Characters develop through the book and the universe it is set in is interesting and yet very similar. I am really looking forward to book 2 and seeing where the adventure takes them next.
I was looking for something different with a female main character. Glad I bought this as it was lots of fun to read. Characters develop through the book and the universe it is set in is interesting and yet very similar. I am really looking forward to book 2 and seeing where the adventure takes them next.
September 20, 2021
Between A Rock and A Hard Place
Holly Cropper is caught between her origins as a Breaker and her present status as Earth Alliance Marine Corp Lieutenant. Pirates, Corporations, Aliens, conspiracy, Marine orders and history; what is Lt Cropper to do when confronted by all 5 at one time. I recommend this book.
Holly Cropper is caught between her origins as a Breaker and her present status as Earth Alliance Marine Corp Lieutenant. Pirates, Corporations, Aliens, conspiracy, Marine orders and history; what is Lt Cropper to do when confronted by all 5 at one time. I recommend this book.
September 14, 2021
A bit simple but entertaining
This series starts off reasonably well with lots of close up firefights, an enigmatic and dangerous mystery menace and both interservice rivalries and culture clashes. We'll see how the second book goes.
This series starts off reasonably well with lots of close up firefights, an enigmatic and dangerous mystery menace and both interservice rivalries and culture clashes. We'll see how the second book goes.
September 17, 2021
Allow most of a day for this PG space opera involving Earth Alliance Marine Lieutenant Holly Cropper and her team of Technical Private Marshall Smith and Private First Class Bastian Li.
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.
February 3, 2022
pretty good
The action throughout out the story was good and kept the tension up. I liked the plot well enough but I did feel except for Holly the characters we’re a little bland. Still enjoyed.
The action throughout out the story was good and kept the tension up. I liked the plot well enough but I did feel except for Holly the characters we’re a little bland. Still enjoyed.
November 12, 2022
A very good first effort
I did enjoy this bit of space opera. I expected greater character development and expecting a stronger storyline. Mr. Victor can do much better. He’s proven it before. This is definitely a good start or interesting saga.
I did enjoy this bit of space opera. I expected greater character development and expecting a stronger storyline. Mr. Victor can do much better. He’s proven it before. This is definitely a good start or interesting saga.
January 5, 2023
Holly Has Her Hands Full
Holly is very much in charge tracking a large ship that is not replying to calls. She also must contend with space pirates. All in a days work for space marines. I enjoyed this adventure and look forward to more.
Holly is very much in charge tracking a large ship that is not replying to calls. She also must contend with space pirates. All in a days work for space marines. I enjoyed this adventure and look forward to more.
January 31, 2024
Space action here as a very small team of marines are sent in their small ship to investigate why a mining vessel has “gone dark”. Cue space pirates and alien invasion!
The author writes this kind of stuff very well and his characters here pull the story along.
Not bad easy reading.
The author writes this kind of stuff very well and his characters here pull the story along.
Not bad easy reading.
July 27, 2024
A great team.
A great team, both the writers and the principle characters. A well paced narrative with a variety of challenges to be overcome through the course of the story. Hope the next in the series is as good.
A great team, both the writers and the principle characters. A well paced narrative with a variety of challenges to be overcome through the course of the story. Hope the next in the series is as good.
July 26, 2021
Who ya' gonna call?
Space Marines! As mankind expands from Earth, the mission of the Marines expands. A well written action packed tale you will enjoy.
Space Marines! As mankind expands from Earth, the mission of the Marines expands. A well written action packed tale you will enjoy.
July 27, 2021
Another great start to a new series. Love the characters and the very interesting story and setting. Just as I have said about this author's other books, this would make a great movie.
Shelved as 'dnf-not-for-me'
September 7, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
January 13, 2022
Great story
Well a cracking start to a new storyline. Looking forward to reading the next episode. Well worth 5 stars well done James
Well a cracking start to a new storyline. Looking forward to reading the next episode. Well worth 5 stars well done James
June 3, 2022
Good start to their story
Holly Cropper, sort of like a farmer name in space. Have to see how the politics and technology info explain more of this universe.
Holly Cropper, sort of like a farmer name in space. Have to see how the politics and technology info explain more of this universe.
January 9, 2023
Robot Invaders! Pirates!
Marines defeat pirates excavating alien site. Digging activates beacon for alien robotic starship. First of a series with these three characters.
Marines defeat pirates excavating alien site. Digging activates beacon for alien robotic starship. First of a series with these three characters.
January 9, 2023
If you like non-stop action, you’ll like BREAKER MARINE. The plot is thin but the characters and the battles are entertaining.
August 5, 2023
Nice Quick read
I enjoyed this. I plan on following up with the rest of the series! It has my curiosity peaked to see what happens!
I enjoyed this. I plan on following up with the rest of the series! It has my curiosity peaked to see what happens!
September 15, 2023
Lots of good action
The story kept me reading, lots of action. It was also good to see women in charge of ships and Marines. Loved the cover art.
The story kept me reading, lots of action. It was also good to see women in charge of ships and Marines. Loved the cover art.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews