Metal Boxes

Metal Boxes is an enjoyable space opera-style science fiction story somewhat reminiscent of Star Wars in that there is a galactic empire with massive warships and independent trader families, but that's where the similarities end. Told from the point of view of one teenage boy, Blackmon Stone, who is a navy officer (midshipman) who makes a splash during his first assigned ship, makes lots of friends and becomes a sort of hero to the less respected marines and crew of the ship (Ol' Toothless, a giant 16 km long navy cargo ship). The writing is consistent, well paced, and entertaining.The writing is mostly a single-threaded plot that moves along at a pleasant pace and keeps the pages turning. In other words, it's not a convoluted story (like, for instance, Peter F. Hamilton's interesting but incomprehensible writing or crazy nonsense like Greg Bear's recent works). Why does science fiction have to be overly complex with 10 dimensions? I don't think that is necessary for a good story, and Metal Boxes is one good example that simpler is better.However, I do wish the events surrounding Blackmon Stone had been more realistic. It is all a bit too convenient--I don't want to give any spoilers here, so I won't go into detail, but at the crisis point in the story, even that is turned around in the protagonist's favor, and I never really felt any suspense. But that may just be my preference for darker stories. This is a very positive and uplifting story and I prefer stories where the hero suffers and/or doesn't always win the girl and everything.

I really liked Metal Boxes. Even though it could be considered a young adult novel, it is my no means a kid's book.The main character, Blackamon Stone is 15 years old and a midshipman who is pretty outspoken to his senior officers. When he discovers a materiel theft ring aboard his ship, he is stuffed into an escape pod with another officer and cast adrift from his ship. This, really is where the fun starts.The story details how he and the other officer survive on an uninhabited planet, manage to return to their ship and capture the ringleaders of the conspiracy, oh, they also manage to go into battle and defeat their enemy.Okay, that's the story and it's told in a very engaging way. The characters are very human and likeable. The interactions feel real. The humorous interaction between the characters is authentic. The description of the Marines aboard ship is as authentic as I've ever read in ANY book.Another thing that I like is that this is a stand-alone book, even though the door was left open for a sequel... or not. There is a beginning, middle and an end. All the threads are trimmed and tied up in the ending. You are not left wondering about this or that. It's all right there.I'm dismayed at the prevailing trend to write trilogies or series based upon a single character or theme. Not that this is a bad thing, but when I buy a book, I hate having to buy two or five more in order to find out what happened.All in all, this is a very good story and you'll find yourself rooting for the heroes and booing the bad guys. It's a fun read. Buy This Book.

I bought this book because I was needing something to read and it seemed the least boring of the parade on offer at the time. The price is a bit breathtaking for a relatively unknown author with a moderate length yarn and I admit to clicking on 'buy' before it registered, or I wouldn't have bothered.Hell! Books from well known authors like Jack Vance and Allan Foster often don't cost this much...[edited to add, the price appears to be much more reasonable now]Moving on!I was most pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.The start was a bit jerky - many authors have used the "bottom of the class cadet" in the past, but once I got past that, it was mostly all good stuff. There were a few small niggles that precluded that 5th star, like literally driving wedges into a rocket motor to force it to leap in and out of Hyperspace, and one big one - For the life of me, I cant understand why if you are going to kill someone and remove them from the ship, why not merely boot them out of the nearest airlock? Why put them unconscious into a lifeboat and launch it into the unknown?OK, of course the story needed them to survive and return, but as Blackbeard once remarked - "Dead men tell no tales!", and it was a weak point in an otherwise excellent yarn.I would like to read more from this author, and I hope he continues to write in this vein. His style reminds me of Heinlein....

If you like good engaging reading with a fun story and characters you can like, this is it. Overall everything works together to create an absolutely fun sci-fi read.The hard science fiction aspect in space is interesting as it brings some new elements to FTL travel in a survival mode – think life raft in the middle of the ocean with a tiny battery operated motor.The other world science fiction is equally fun as are the new species and their peculiarities.The story is multi-tiered just enough to keep the pace interesting and dramatic. The hero is unlikely in so many ways it would be implausible except that he has both life long history of superior knowledge and genetics on his side that makes it all work quite well. For this I give the author excellent marks because it adds an element of humanity to a genre that too often has super heroes who are just a bit too super.The action and pace of the story are just about perfect. Not once did I find my attention faltering – and I am rather difficult to please on this issue. For that alone Metal Boxes is worth the time and money.However, good pacing is not the only stellar issue. All of the writing is tight and clean. In a time of many new self-published authors who don’t take their trade quite seriously enough, Mr. Blacks books are a joy to read. This is the third book of his I have read. I have been happy with each one and will continue with his others.

If you like space action and a bit of murder mystery throughout your story this is for you. I really liked this novel and and going to read the next book in this series now just loved it.

I give this five stars because it's a really well-written romp. I loved the family dynamics combined with naval and marine dynamics. Having witnessed first hand how corruption can flourish in the corporate marine world, I felt familiar with much of the plot. A coming of age story with a difference.I see why this book has achieved a bestseller rating - it totally deserves it.I am already casting in my head. JJAbrahms should direct it. Move over for Midshipman Stone he will be coming to a screen near you!

I've been looking for another series like Linesman, this one looks to be it (at least from the first novel). Feel good space opera at its finest.

I'm not often moved to write a review. In fact I don't think I have in the past.Having said that I found Metal Boxes & Metal Boxes-Trapped Outside very entertaining and enjoyable reading.Good twists, turns and originality.Both held me to the point I couldn't put them down or if I had to, rushed to get back to.Well done Alan!

Well written and edited, this is a fun novel. The plot is however more suited to a younger audience. The 15 year old protagonist is incredibly wise and intelligent. He easily overcomes all problems, usually through luck. He out thinks experienced adults and gets the girl. So in short the plot is basically a teenage boy's fantasy, and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.