Review of H2LiftShips - Beyond Luna

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
User avatar
Black Indigo
Posts: 363
Joined: 30 Mar 2022, 10:06
Currently Reading: Relieved
Bookshelf Size: 1066
2025 Reading Goal: 50
2025 Goal Completion: 0%

Re: Review of H2LiftShips - Beyond Luna

Post by Black Indigo »

I don't usually read this genre, but the review piqued my interest to give this book a chance. Written in simple language is a good way to introduce new readers to the genre. It would be a good book for a light read or want to pass the time. Thank you for the review.
User avatar
Idah_Kenei
In It Together VIP
Posts: 61
Joined: 23 Jan 2022, 07:52
Favorite Book: In It Together
Currently Reading: Awaken & Grow
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-idah-kenei.html
Latest Review: PRECISION by D.C. Scott

Post by Idah_Kenei »

I don't like books set up in space. They seem out of touch with the average life of humans. It can be intriguing at first but I do get bored easily.
User avatar
Kiara S 2
Posts: 1
Joined: 27 Jan 2024, 23:04
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Kiara S 2 »

Thanks for the review! The book seems like a captivating and enthralling journey to immerse myself in. Although the slow pacing might put me off, I would still be very excited to try it!
User avatar
Amarachi Stephanie Ejike
In It Together VIP
Posts: 425
Joined: 09 May 2024, 08:40
Currently Reading: Sock Lobsters
Bookshelf Size: 56
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amarachi-stephanie-ejike.html
Latest Review: Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson

Post by Amarachi Stephanie Ejike »

Sci-fi and fantasy novels rarely holds my interest. However knowing about the science, mode of operation, and crew members of spaceships would be facinating. "H2LiftShips - Beyond Luna" by Bob Freeman centers on the activities of three spaceships, and the pursuit for revenge by Mykolas
User avatar
mrlefty0706
In It Together VIP
Posts: 2234
Joined: 06 Aug 2020, 00:45
Favorite Author: Jack Winnick
Favorite Book: Where, Right Matters
Currently Reading: This Is Your Last Warning
Bookshelf Size: 1121
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 77547
2025 Reading Goal: 150
2025 Goal Completion: 64%

Post by mrlefty0706 »

“H2LiftShips - Beyond Luna: A Hard Science Sci Fi Space Opera Series” by Bob Freeman is a sci-fi novel and the first in a four-book series that is centered around the science, mode of operation, and genetically engineered crews on futuristic spaceships. The story includes the activities of three spaceships: The LunaCola, The Bina’sBeans and the BlackHornet. Freeman created a world filled with genetically engineered species that co-exist on Mars, Earth, the Moon and the Asteroid colonies. Captain Graciela is right where she wants to be, away from her controlling mother and Captain of the LunaCola. While her life is rather lonely gambling her way through the universe she is accompanied by Jack, a talking dog, Tang, a poker-obsessed orangutang and an Octopus in his watery navigation station, enough company to keep her happy. The book has plenty of action as the space ships cross paths with pirates, anarchists, poker players and some jail time. This description reminds me of the some of the bar scenes in Star Wars. Graciela does cross paths with her mother whom she will need to risk it all in a rigged card game to save her. This series imagines a world where hydrogen balloons lift solar sail ships through outer space to trade goods across planets and asteroids. The fuel system required a change to the Einstein theory from E=mc2 to E=mc, since hydrogen/oxygen rockets are not the only way to break free of Earth’s gravitational pull. The use of hydrogen balloons to travel to the edge of outer space is very dangerous because of the fire hazards. Solar energy is also used to propel the spaceships on their journeys and the depleted hydrogen balloons are used as solar sails. The lives of the crews on the three spaceships are intertwined and the captains used to be family. The head of the family, named Mykolas, was abandoned but he is now seeking revenge. The writing in this book makes it easy for readers to visualize so much detail that readers will feel like they are actually there in one of the spaceships. Excellent character development and an easy-to-read format that does not get bogged down with scientific or engineering terms. While the official reviewer only gave the book a 3 out of 4-star rating because the story does not create enough conflict and tension and it does not effectively engage the reader. It is an enjoyable read and the final rating could be higher by many readers. Critics call this book the weirdest book series out there and the characters will never be the same after a ride on the H2LiftShips. I enjoyed the detailed filled sample especially Jack learning to play casino games and the thorough explanation of how the spaceships delivered their cargos.
User avatar
Tars
Posts: 2099
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 12:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 389

Post by Tars »

Yes, space adventure! I really love them, but unfortunately it is so rare to find good examples lately, but this series sounds very promising in the description and the sample was very interesting. I am not all that concerned about the mentioned negative aspects, because the pace of stories is individual, resolution couldn't be more disappointing than GoT and, as custom, narrative and fate of characters often are revealed in next parts. Congratulations on BOTD!
User avatar
Mercy Bolo
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 657
Joined: 01 Apr 2021, 16:51
Currently Reading: Man Na
Bookshelf Size: 62
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mercy-bolo.html
Latest Review: Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Bliss by Mary Lummerding

Post by Mercy Bolo »

The characters in this book are the crew of three spaceships. They are descended from the same family, and there are internal struggles. Mykolas, especially, is seeking revenge for his abandonment. The author provides vivid descriptions of the spacecrafts, the planets, and the cosmos.
Atieno Magero
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1351
Joined: 09 Nov 2020, 13:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 167
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-atieno-magero.html
Latest Review: 3000 Orgasms by Rebecca Ferguson

Post by Atieno Magero »

H2LiftShips is a great sci-fi novel. The author does a great job of world building and providing detailed descriptions in the book. I'm fascinated by all the spaceships in the story and the fact that there are genetically engineered species in the story. H2LiftShips is definitely a must read. Congrats on making botd.
User avatar
Runan
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 872
Joined: 14 Aug 2023, 12:21
Currently Reading: Thoroughly Modern Money
Bookshelf Size: 70
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-runan.html
Latest Review: Immortal Spirit by Janet Neville and Steve Bridger

Post by Runan »

This sci-fi novel garnered my interest. Genetically engineered species trading goods across planets and asteroid colonies is interesting. Not just trade but the crew encounters pirates and poker players! I wonder what happens when Captain Graciela comes face to face with her mom.
Runan
User avatar
Stacey Harvey 1
Posts: 1
Joined: 21 Feb 2025, 10:40
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Stacey Harvey 1 »

Despite your 3 out of 4 stars...it just doesn't seem like a book I would want to read.
Janet Kimetto
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1331
Joined: 12 Jan 2021, 15:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 98
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-janet-kimetto.html
Latest Review: Ghost With Two Hearts by michael r french

Post by Janet Kimetto »

This book is heavy on the science and would appeal to those who love hard science fiction. The story has an interesting cast of characters, the crew members of all the ships consisting of "different genetically engineered species with different backgrounds and very different personalities." Thanks for the review!
“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”
User avatar
Amy_Jackson
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 297
Joined: 16 Oct 2017, 10:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy-jackson.html
Latest Review: The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Enlistment in the Union Army by David J Mason

Post by Amy_Jackson »

Man has always been intrigued by what life would be like in other planets and out in space. I'm sure it would be interesting to read about the experiences of the characters aboard the space ships, in the places they went and their interactions with the genetically engineered species.
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”