CassaStar [Paperback]

Alex J. Cavanaugh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2010

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship… Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard. Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential. As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit? “…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Debut novelist Cavanaugh's maiden space flight tells a familiar story. Byron lost his parents at an early age. Abandoned by his older sister to a group home, he rebels against authority and refuses to let anyone get close to him. Like many young men with troubled histories, he joins the military to have a better life and enters training to become one of the elite Cosbolt fighters. This goal requires Byron to drop his defenses and telepathically bond with a navigator so he can use his ship's teleportation device to jump from point to point in space. In the process, he discovers some unusual abilities. This formulaic space opera aspires to be a bildungsroman for its petulant hero, but it confuses the archetypal with the clichéd.
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Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981621066
• ISBN-13: 978-0981621067
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,593,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH works in web design and graphics. He's experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is Ninja Captain Alex and founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. www.alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

CASSASTORM - coming September 17, 2013

CASSAFIRE, Amazon Sci-fi Best Seller:
"This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction..." - Library Journal

CASSASTAR, Amazon Sci-fi Best Seller:
"...calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein's early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars." - Library Journal

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Flaming Sword of Fire October 9, 2011

By Stan Slaughter

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had to give this novel only a 3 star review. While the concepts interested me, the writing skills suffer from what I call the "Flaming Sword of Fire" problem.

You don't have to say Fire - the sword is flaming.

There are many examples in the book where this kind of writing is in evidence. It's a mistake that goes away as the author gains more experience and skill. My suggestion is that people download a sample of the book first. If you do not have a problem with it then go ahead and purchase it

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars CassaStar, by Alex J. Cavanaugh April 21, 2011

By Donna Hole

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

In today's action oriented, fast paced world of sci-fi novel reading, CassaStar, the debut novel by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, is refreshingly unique. It starts off with the high action demanded by modern readers, but the extreme action is also meant to introduce the setting and culture. After the initial adrenalin rush, it slows down for back-story on the two main characters Bassa and Byron; but if you're a reader who doesn't judge a book by its opening, then you'll arrive at a novel with all the character, world building, and action that will keep you turning pages long after you would normally take a break.

I'm not an avid sci-fi reader/viewer, but I've watched enough Star Trek/Star Wars/Battle Star Galactica/Star Ship Troopers/SG-1, etc . . to be acclimated to certain terms and expected technology in a futuristic, space friendly world. The world pretty much builds itself in the narrative description, action and dialogue.

Nothing shows this unique world off better than the introduction of Bassa, and his walk through one day in his world aboard the Cosbolt Training center Guaard. With the author's permission, I'll post one of the first passages that hooked me into this novel:

"Bassa exited his quarters and strolled down the short hallway. He paused at the lift, his gaze falling on the telepod's open doorway. New Pilots and navigators were not permitted to use the teleported pods until properly trained, but Bassa's rank granted him full access to the devices. The invitation stretch his powers rather than his legs was too tempting, and he opted for the faster form of transportation.

Stepping inside the pod, Bassa waited for the gentle pop of the sealed door before visualizing his destination. Feeling the strength of the teleported power source, located in a compartment over his head, he tapped into the devices ability to fold space. The resulting jump was so brief that Bassa did not even notice its effects."

This excerpt is typical of the efficient way the author progresses through the world. Bassa's approach to the teleportation device, and the use of his mental powers to effect movement, is much the same as an average person might approach an elevator, or moving sidewalk at an airport or big city mall. Another casual use of technology that instantly appealed to me was the "personal computer pad" that Bassa (and other characters) carry like a notepad, or briefcase.

While the uses are personal to the novel's characters, they are not unlike you or I carrying around a SmartPhone, NetBook, iPad, or more recently, The Cloud. Aside from the telepathic abilities of the Cassans; there is no technology in this novel that a reader cannot relate to in today's society. Slightly more sophisticated perhaps, but not beyond imagination. Even if you're not a sci-fi reader, or haven't made a habit of viewing any of the Star - whatever's permeating the cable networks and theaters, you'll understand the world, and possibly forget you're dealing with the protection of the cosmos, and think the military-type formality applies to NASA, the Air Force, perhaps Naval pilots.

The most appealing feature of the novel, however, are the characters. The author Alex Cavanaugh accomplished a difficult task in making an initially perfect, egocentric character (Byron) someone you not only care about, but also one you hope DOESN'T lose his infallibility. The true climax of the story isn't the winning of an interstellar battle, it is Byron's ultimate acceptance of friendship, and the intimate sacrifices that accompany personal and professional growth. And while the much older, seasoned officer Bassa is a pivotal influence in Byron's character growth, Bassa also achieves an unexpected internal transformation of his own.

Too often an action packed novel focuses on the specifics of the adventure, and neglects the emotional investment that the character s- and vicariously the reader - attach to the heroic deeds that make up a story. The debut author of CassaStar has shown that you can have a character driven and action driven story, and not sacrifice one for the other.

I can't wait to read the sequel!

........dhole

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice to see intelligent terrestials reviewing good works. October 30, 2011

By Shuh

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just want to add my voice to giving applause to a story very well done. Previous reviews have noticed all the positives I noticed while reading the book. I won't repeat them here.

The negatives, well lets not talk about that. Well just a little bit. I think they speak more to the ego of the reviewer rather than to to decisions of the author. I had no problems with the language or use of words. None constructive criticism makes the story about something else, and not the story.

Once the story captured me, it was read in basically a single sitting. I had no problems with the language or use of words. I am not a speed reader, I read every word, to embrace the full intentions of the author. Let the author take you where they want to go, it's their story. You are just along for the ride. I enjoyed the ride. The relationships are very well handled. This I consider what makes this work worth reading. Thank you Alex, well done.