Book Reviews and More: Galen's Way - Richard Paolinelli

Monday, 31 July 2023

Galen's Way - Richard Paolinelli - Starguest 4th Age Book 1

Galen's Way

Starguest 4th Age Book 1

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ISBN 9798807164551

eISBN 9798201562595

ASIN B08V6KR4CR

Prior to reading this I have read one story by Richard in the anthology Cracked and have picked up several anthologies he has contributed to, that I have not got around to reading yet. After reading this and doing some research on all his books, several have jumped way up in my ‘to be read pile’. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. And this one is no less so. In fact it is one of my favourite book I have read so far this year from the 268 I have read during the first half of 2023. I have been aware of Richard and his works for a few years now. It is my loss that I did not dig into his works earlier. The description of this Dragon Award finalist is:

“The Princess Rhiannon of Salacia has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom on the fortress planet Nammu. Galen Dwyn, the most feared mercenary in the Andromeda Galaxy has been hired to rescue her and bring her home.

He will soon find himself on the run with the Princess and right in the middle of a web of political intrigue even as he begins to fall for the Princess. For her love, he will stand alone against the forces looking to establish a new, and very evil, empire.

Galen will look to keep her safe and bring the budding empire to a halt before it can gain a foothold in the galaxy. He will choose to do so the only way he knows how.

Galen’s Way.”

This is a high octane tale from beginning to end. It reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, the Dex books by Karina Fabian, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted. The characters well crafted, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guys. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined to not let what done to her or planned against her determine her choices and her future. She will face struggles but does so bravely and with a grit and determination.

If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. This was a great read. It is a book that leaves you desperate for book 2 and hoping that the series will extend beyond the two currently available. A great read I can easily recommend. It is a fantastic story in a classic Science Fiction style a great space opera. A great story written large. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of science fiction and adventure stories. A great read and the first of many Paolinelli novels I will be reading!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:

Maelstrom

When the Gods Fell

The Calling

The Last Lonely Trail

A Zombie Christmas Carol

The Woman Returns

…

Infinity Series:

Escaping Infinity