Koban Universe 1 Paperback – April 13, 2014

The first and last stories are the best. Despite what people say about this being a short few stories to make money, the stories are worth it. They are a good addition to the series.There is a lot of action in the first and last story. Short stories are good but when the action gets going it's over pretty quickly.The second story was so-so. I got used to it after a while, though I wasn't terribly interested in the plot of wolfbats seeking alliances.The third story wasn't very interesting. I was not interested in the views of young Kobani children.The last story was good but I didn't like how the Islamic smugglers were described as decapitating people and not trading with people outside their faiths, though there were also Australian smugglers. The topic of religion is very sensitive and I didn't like how there is no positive portrayal of religion, only negative portrayal.

Koban Universe 1  is a collection of short stories set in the Koban universe that is a delight. For those who are fans of the series, these four stories expand our enjoyment with short episodes not suitable for the main books, of which there are three at this time. I particularly liked the last story with a familiar character, despite a slight plot timing issue with the improved Jump drive of the smuggling ship (it was only known to humans after they captured a Krall singleship).Because a lot of back history was introduced, the writing was slightly stilted near the beginning of each story. But I enjoyed this "extra" treat while waiting for the next book in the series. You will enjoy the series and this universe too!

I chose this rating because I am a huge fan of the Koban series. It is not just that this has wet my appetite for the coming novel, but I just love Stephen's books and the way he just captures your imagination. I have read and 're'read the previous books in the series and am waiting quite impatiently (yes stephen that is aimed at you. Please hurry up..........) for the next coming novel.This collection of short stories is a nice little add on to the brilliant series, using a very interesting mix of new and old character's and a very interesting and unique perspective. Before reading these short stories, to put them in perspective you will need to read the previous books! NOT that will be disappointed!! Read them and make up your own mind!!!!Enjoy!!! I did!

For fans of the Koban series these stories are a joy. We expand on concepts introduced in the series.My enjoyment grew with each succeeding story with the last being my favorite and the third being my next favorite. I am trying not to let too much out to spoil the fun and am probably not helping at all in encouraging others to read this book.For those who have not read the Koban series, you could read the stories stand alone but you would miss at least half the fun and understanding of what is going on. I STRONGLY encourage fans of space opera to read the three books: Koban, Mark of Koban, Rise of the Kobani first, you will not be disappointed.

The entire Koban series is a fun and easy-to-read series and well worth reading the pace is pretty fast and character development is good. The action is realistic.This book is just one part of a good series

I enjoyed all the books. A foreseeable future? Maybe the Kobani enchancement will come true sooner than we expect and the reactions will be the same, either against it and for it because of all the moral issues. At first these books blew my mind, I really loved them but now I get a bit tired of so much and very long back history in every single book. I understand the reasons for this as puts the new reader up to date, gets them hooked but bores the reader that read all the books. Sorry!

While I generally tend to avoid short stories I found these quite entertaining and fitting.The worst nightmare I could ever imagine is contained within; A young child with 100% Kobani enhancements, and 00% of the forethought and maturity. Just wait until the 'standard' teen rebellious phase kicks in... the world may end! LOL!My only issue is a minor one, 'New Australia' is both a continent on Koban, AND a separate world? While quite likely to happen across a broad empire, it still seemed as an unnecessary complexity.

i normally hate short stories but I love the idea of the koban universe and have raptly awaited further expansions on the scenario like the silo series, I had hope Stephen w Bennett would garner such success and it looks like he has taken the first step. I would to love to see further stories from different perspectives as well as a continuation of Stephen's own vision. as an aspiring writer I wish the best for the koban universe. cheers for a good read

There are four lovely little short stories from the Koban series here.I found them to be absolutely wonderful and they maintain the high quality that I've come to expect from this author.These are definitely worth a read - especially if you're a Koban fan!

TL, DR- cut and paste from the previous novels.More than two thirds of this is text copied from the previous novels.

I have enjoyed the full length books so much and was a little disappointed with these stories. I just couldn't seem to get into them. Familiar and much loved characters seemed like strangers. I really hope another full. Length book will be coming soon.

A good read, if you have read the other books.

love the koban series of books