This is this is one of those series you gush about and reread over and over. It will suck you in to the point where you find yourself saying *credits smedits, where’s the buy button.*

Ishmael is 18 years old in book one, and an orphan. He has no choice but to grow up fast — and because of that hardship — he becomes the kind of steady, intelligent young man any parent would be proud of. By the time he reaches adulthood in the series, you’re thrilled to have watched him mature. (I’m on *Captain’s Share* right now, and I’m completely captivated by it.) I am in awe of what Nathan Lowell wrote, and how Jeffrey Kafer has brought it to life.

This is a true literary treasure for all ages to enjoy.

Each book in the series presents new challenges, new environments and new friends and enemies. The pace, nuance and plot is so well done I feel that Lowell must have written it all down before publishing any of it, but that would just be crazy, right?

The books are like one big blank canvas that’s gradually filled in as you read them, so that in the end, you have the entire picture of the life of one (fictional) Officer on a Space Vessel. When things go wrong, and they do, it’s as if you’re there, sweating it out, praying they avoid disaster. It’s so beautifully written it’s impossible — like a fascinating magic trick.

Ismael’s kindness, ingenuity, sense of responsibility, and compassion for his fellow spacefarers, is at the center of the story, and I feel safe just knowing he’s present and accounted for. Frankly, he’s such an amazing role model that the books belong in schools for all children to read — like Dickens or Twain. I want to go back in time and give them to my son to read.

***A Quick Note About Sex: Lowell doesn’t embarrass himself, the characters or his readers, by trying his hand at explicit scenes. While he lets us know that Ish is a hotty, (and the girls all come to the yard), Mr. Lowell handles these moments with a fine sense of sweetness and respect. Romantic moments are read and said with the same quiet respect as everything else Ish does, and then we all move on. Which isn’t to say that Lowell isn’t effective or romantic at what he writes — he is — but he doesn’t belabor the point, or make the books inappropriate for kid’s.

Most of all, I’m grateful that he makes it possible for younger people to enjoy the series, too. I learned to love books at a young age and it’s a love I’ve carried with me all my life. We need more series like this — to grab the imaginations of younger people, and to remind us oldsters why we love to read.

And the narration is simply brilliant, which brings me to . . .

***A Note about my review of Book One: I think my reaction to *Quarter Share* was that I liked it but nothing happens — and I thought Jeffrey Kafer made Ishmael sound too old. That impression quickly dissipated in the subsequent books. Jeffrey Kafer’s take on this character is so mesmerizing, that i regret saying what I did. In fact, Kafer’s tone makes the series come alive, t and I offer him a sincere apology — and dinner in Cookie’s mess hall — if we ever happen to meet.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all ages (14 and up), and anyone who likes a good yarn. Ismael Wong is a fine role model of kindness, compassion and civility, for us all.

*** Just One More Thing About Sex: There is a very lovely scene of Ishmael with an insecure older woman that isn’t at all physical, but is by far the sexiest thing I think I’ve ever read. It’s so moving and genuine and full of respect that I wonder what else Mr. Lowell has up his sleeve.

I know I’ll happily read whatever he decides to write next.