Tag: Cassa Series

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Putting Characters Through Trials by @AlexJCavanaugh

Hi there everyone. I’m so excited to be hosting the Ninja himself today as he talks about the latest book in the Cassa Series. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support. 

Putting Characters Through Trials by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Any good story contains trials. If the main character just enjoyed a good day, wow, wouldn’t that be boring? That character needs to struggle. Sometimes even fall, get his heart ripped out, almost die!

Now, throwing everything at the character, including the kitchen sink, might be overkill. Although I very nearly did that in the third Cassa book, CassaStorm. But the stakes need to be high; even higher for the next book in a series.

So, what trials and misfortunes does Bassan go through? I can’t give away the major points, but I can reveal some things that send his anxiety through the roof.

He was a hero at age ten in the third book. And that’s what most people remember about him. But being shy and non-assertive, he doesn’t think he’s done anything heroic since then. Not that he wants to put his neck out there! But the thought his one great achievement lies behind him really gets under his skin and causes anxiety.

Drent’s accident exposes his weaknesses even more. He knows he’s not assertive or a leader, but the incident really shines a light on the problem. Bassan doesn’t react fast enough, and it really adds a layer of guilt and angst on top of everything else.

Then he’s sent across the galaxy by his supervisor. Bassan, son of famous pilot parents, hates to fly! Plus, he’s supposed to speak at a conference. Add fear of public speaking on top of the ever-growing list.

Then there’s a mission to save the people on another planet. No pressure there!

And things keep piling on.

Mentally and emotionally, the poor dude has been put through the wringer even before the adventure kicks into overdrive. But what doesn’t kill him will make Bassan stronger. At least we hope so!

You’ll have to read the book to find out.

See my 4.5-star review here. 

CassaDark by Alex J. Cavanaugh

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by fear and doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each secret reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Trade paperback, 226 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, LLC
Science fiction – Adventure (FIC028010)
Space Opera (FIC028030)
Space Exploration (FIC028130)
Print ISBN 9781939844842 – $16.95
eBook ISBN 9781939844859 – $4.99

iTunes  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

Kobo  |  Scribed   |   Goodreads

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://alexjcavanaugh.com
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

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Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

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Books

#Review: CassaFire #sci-fi #book

Goodreads

Title:  Cassafire

Series: Cassastar #2

Author: Alex J. Cavanaugh

Genre: Space Opera

Pages: 240

Reading Level: Adult

Content: PG (military subject matter, some violence, & adult situations)

After reading book one in this series, I needed a break. The first book caught me off guard. I had no idea it would be so emotional. I fear I may have waited longer than necessary, but the wait was totally worth it. Like the first book in this series, this sequel has its action packed moments, psychologically challenging struggles, and of course, its gut wrenching moments of joy, sorrow, despair, and then hope.

In CassaFire, we find our hero, Byron exploring the known universe in the service of scientists. To put it plainly, the world’s greatest combat pilot is a taxi driver for smart people. Of course, we know he’s doing this to fulfill a promise he made to Bassa, from book one, but what we don’t know is just how exciting space exploration is about to become for the not-quite-middle-aged pilot.

This installment of the Cassa series does two things right away that as a fan of this world pleased me to no end. It brought in more galactic races and it uses more “special abilities” or powers. The geek in me loves that Cassians can’t live without their telepathic abilities and it’s interesting to see how these abilities are perceived by others in the universe.

Author Cavanaugh does an excellent job of touching on some very sensitive subject matters without bringing the story down or belittling the subjects’ importance. He touches on subjects such as: racism, superiority and right, colonization, choice vs duty, and more. There is even a slight, yet significant romance to keep you wondering what will come in the future.

I think this book is suitable for all readers, though younger children may not understand some of the deeper points and those averse to sci-fi themes may have trouble seeing beyond the setting to appreciate the true message of this piece, which I believe is love and loyalty grounded in personal experience and not simply tradition and duty.

See my review of CassaStar here.

I give this book a 5.

LoveIt

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like a Kindle copy of this book, try this link: Amazon

Get a print copy with free international shipping at this link: Book Depository.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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#BooktagsBloghop Excerpts

#BooktagsBlogHop No. 2: CassaStar by @AlexJCavanaugh #sci-fi #amreading

Booktagbloghop

The purpose of this blog hop is for readers and writers to share what they are reading, have read, are writing, or have written with others. This is not about promoting free or discounted books, though some of those may be featured. This is about book lovers sharing what they love about books. This blog hop is about the Joy of Reading and the Joy of Writing with tags of your choosing and is hosted by me, Toi Thomas, the third Monday of the month. Learn more here.

This month’s optional theme is: gratitude or acceptance.

Excerpt from Chapter 15

Reaching the last file in the database, he paused. Simply labeled ‘Byron,’ it gave no indication as to the contents within. Curious, he explored the file and discovered four separate areas. The first section contained information from his official and personal record. His complete history and profile were represented, and he frowned at the discovery. Noting his Cosbolt training record, Byron remembered that as his instructor, Bassa had enjoyed full access to his files. He’d apparently saved them for future reference.

Exploring the next file, Byron opened what appeared to be a journal chronicling Bassa’s personal experiences. Confused as to why this was located in his file, Byron scanned the entries. The first one was written not long after his arrival on Guaard. It described a pilot in training whose cocky, indifferent attitude stemmed from loneliness and insecurity rather than malice or rage. Bassa concluded his assessment that all the boy needed was a friend. Byron’s eyes widened in disbelief and he scanned the other entries. Every single one was about him.

Uncomfortable with the thought of invading Bassa’s privacy, Byron moved to the next file. A prerecorded video flashed on the screen and he leaned back in the chair. His chest tightened when Bassa’s image appeared, and he realized the recording had been made from his very position.

“Good day, Byron,” said Bassa’s image, a faint smile on his face.

Byron’s mouth fell open. Bassa had recorded a message for him.

242 words from: CassaStar (CassaStar #1) © 2010 Alex J. Cavanaugh

My Thoughts

I’m actually reading CassaStorm (CassaStar #3) right now and am behind on my review of CassaFire (CassaStar #2), but with this month’s theme being acceptance or gratitude, I had to revisit the first book in this series. There is so much happening in this story by the time this passage comes along and as much as I hate to give away spoilers, I can only hope the true meaning of this passage remains a bit vague.

The passage is a revelation of acceptance for Byron in a way I can’t elaborate on without outright spoiling, but it’s clear that he has discovered something and it’s affecting him in an emotional way. Before and after this passage, the gratitude Byron feels for the off-scene Bassa is difficult to process. These two character experience life and combat together, and to say that they are like brothers is an understatement- they are brothers at the very core of their souls.

I have many friends who care about me and a wonderfully loving and supportive family, but I haven’t had a friendship like what Bassa and Byron have since I was in high school. That kind of friendship is precious and rare.

Find this title at Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Goodreads

What are you currently reading? I’d love to know.
Next blog hop post date will be December 21, 2015.

Be sure to hop around and see what others are reading so you may continue to pile onto you TBR list.


Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords