This isn’t the typical Space Opera. Rather, it reads more as a number of individual short stories. That is a drawback to me, as I really enjoy the long and involved stories; I rarely buy an audiobook that is less than 15 hours. That said, this is well worth the listen. The narration alone is worth the purchase.
I particularly enjoyed the principal character (a rip off of Indiana Jones, but done well). He is a flawed but charismatic cocksure micro-villain that embraces his effortless ability to treat the truth as nothing but an interesting option. I expected such a braggart to follow the norm and continually fall short of his own expectations. He doesn’t which, to me, is refreshing and oddly endearing.
I was a bit disappointed with the development – or lack thereof – of the unconsenting surgically enhanced perfect sexy girl. I’m no perv (well, I am, but that is beside the point) but it felt incongruous that her introduction as an impossibly attractive barbie doll was almost forgotten for the rest of the story.
It was also a distracting and unnecessary stretch that barbie doll’s strict moral compass was readily followed by a band of miscreants. The initial theme, to me, was a story about endearing bad guys. Every story does not have to teach a lesson. We all know good from bad and can differentiate between sci fi/fantasy and proper behavior. Deviating from the norm, especially where the “bad deeds” are fairly innocuous, would have been refreshing.
That said, the book is entertaining and the narrator is top notch. This light series kept me entertained for weeks for no more than a book that I would have finished in a couple of days. The good well outweighs my (possible petty) criticisms. while it probably will not change your life, I strongly recommend this book if you are looking for an enjoyable, uncomplicated listen.